The video clip used in these activities was made by a student using video capture and time lapse photography. The video lasts for only 7 seconds yet represents a period of 24 hours in the lives of the cells.

The cells in the video are fibroblast cells, a member of the connective tissue category. Fibroblasts are responsible for a range of activities, among them upkeep and repair of the extracellular matrix in our skin and tissues. If the skin is damaged such as in an abrasion or cut, fibroblast cells clean up and repair the damaged tissue. These cells move through the extracellular matrix to find the damaged area and repair it.

The cells in the video are being grown in plastic tissue culture flasks. They are covered with a liquid media which provides essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed for growth and division. Over time, the cells will increase in number and cover the entire surface of the culture vial flask.

The cells move by attaching to a special coating on the plastic surface of the culture flask.