Question

An enriched medium containing salts, glucose, proteins and vitamins was made and a commercially available animal cell line was introduced. However, the cells began dying. What could be the reason behind it?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Growth of vertebrate cells in culture requires rich media containing essential amino acids, vitamins, and peptide or protein growth factors, frequently provided by serum.

Answer 2

The causes behind this situation can be:

• Firstly there were no fatty acids. Fatty acids are an important part of the nutrition of a cell. They are an integral part of the cell membrane and any membrane. So, their absence can hamper cell growth.

• Secondly, there may be contamination of the cell media from outside. Some bacteria or virus can kill the cells.

• The cell itself can be genetically handicapped, unable to thrive.

• The temperature of the media may not be perfect for the cell to live.

• There may be an absence of oxygen which can lead to the death of cells.