Understanding In Vitro and In Vivo Reactions in Chemistry
As a chemist, it’s crucial to distinguish between reactions occurring inside living organisms versus those carried out in a laboratory setting. These concepts are widely used in biochemistry, pharmacology, and molecular biology. Let’s break them down with definitions, word meanings, and proper examples.
What Does In Vitro Mean?
Word Meaning:
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In vitro is Latin for “in glass”.
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It refers to experiments conducted outside a living organism, typically in lab equipment like test tubes or petri dishes.
Example Reaction (Biochemical):
Enzymatic breakdown of starch by amylase in a test tube:
This reaction demonstrates how scientists can study enzyme activity in a controlled environment without involving a living organism.
What Does In Vivo Mean?
Word Meaning:
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In vivo is Latin for “in the living”.
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It describes reactions that occur inside a living organism, whether in human cells, animals, or plants.
Example Reaction (Biochemical):
Glycolysis of glucose inside a living cell:
This highlights how complex biochemical pathways naturally occur within living organisms to produce energy.
Quick Summary
| Term | Meaning | Location | Example Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| In vitro | “In glass” | Outside organism | Starch → Maltose by amylase |
| In vivo | “In the living” | Inside organism | Glucose → Pyruvate + ATP + NADH |
Understanding these terms is essential for laboratory chemists, researchers, and students, especially when planning experiments or interpreting scientific literature.