Cell viability is the capacity of a biological cell to remain alive under specified conditions. Measurements use operational indicators such as intact cell membranes, metabolic activity or the ability to produce descendants. These indicators answer different questions: a membrane-intact biological cell can be alive yet unable to complete cell division. Consequently, a viability percentage needs an assay definition and a denominator, and should be distinguished from cell proliferation. [ref]
Animal Cell Culture Guide by ATCC. Cell viability: dye exclusion, recovery and culture assessment
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