Definition of ATCC (American Type Culture Collection)

ATCC (American Type Culture Collection): Although little known to the general public, the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) is a key resource for medical research. It is the world's premier biological culture repository. The ATCC assures medical and other biological scientists a reliable source of over 60,000 authenticated, viable cultures of:

• Algae & Protozoa
• Bacteria & Bacteriophages
• Cultured Cell Lines & Hybridomas
• Fungi & Yeasts
• Recombinant DNA Materials
• Viruses & Virus Antisera
• Plant Tissue Cultures
• Culture Derived Products
• Products for Culture Work.

The ATCC does research to improve the propagation, preservation, classification, and characterization of cultures and to develop new and enhanced culture products through in-house efforts and collaborative alliances. Established in 1925, the ATCC is now headquartered in Manassas, Virginia.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2378
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012