Definition—What is meant by “organ culture” in experimental biology? Choose the option that most accurately defines organ culture as used in tissue and organ culture techniques, emphasizing viability and partial immersion in nutritive media.

Introduction / Context:
Organ culture is a classical technique in experimental biology distinct from cell or tissue culture. It preserves the three-dimensional architecture and many physiological interactions of an intact organ ex vivo, enabling pharmacological and developmental studies.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Whole organ (or large organ rudiment) is excised.
• Viability is maintained in vitro using nutrient media and appropriate gas exchange.
• Architecture and function are preserved better than in dissociated cell culture.

Concept / Approach:
Unlike dissociated cell culture, organ culture keeps tissue layers and extracellular matrices intact. Partial immersion (or interface methods) supports diffusion of nutrients while preventing anoxic conditions. This method sits between in vivo physiology and simplified cell culture models.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical and modern protocols (e.g., embryonic organ rudiments) demonstrate maintained morphogenesis and responsiveness under organ culture conditions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• (b) Refers to transplantation and genetics, not organ culture.
• (c) Describes tissue engineering/organogenesis, not maintenance culture.
• (d) Social sciences; irrelevant.
• (e) Confuses cell culture with organ culture.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming full immersion is optimal; many organs require an interface method to ensure oxygenation.

Final Answer:
Maintenance alive of a whole organ, after removal from the organism, by partial immersion in a nutrient fluid