Which of the following is a step in the strategy of tissue engineering?

Providing a structural scaffold is critical in the strategy of tissue engineering because scaffolds serve as a foundational framework that supports cell attachment and growth. Scaffolds can mimic the natural extracellular matrix, which is essential for guiding the formation and organization of new tissues. They provide mechanical support, help maintain the shape of the tissue, and allow for the diffusion of nutrients and waste, creating an environment conducive to cell survival and proliferation.

This approach emphasizes the importance of structures that facilitate tissue regeneration and repair. Scaffolds can be made from a variety of materials, including biodegradable polymers, hydrogels, and natural materials, all of which can influence the behavior of the cells. The design of the scaffold also plays a role in determining the properties of the resulting tissue.

The other options do not align well with established principles of tissue engineering. Creating synthetic cells may be part of broader biomedical research but is not specifically a core step in tissue engineering. Focusing solely on organic growth neglects the necessary physical structures that support this growth. Eliminating the need for cells runs counter to the fundamental idea of tissue engineering, which centers around using cells, along with scaffolding and biochemical signals, to regenerate tissues.