Peripheral Blood Cell Culture and Harvest

Cytogenetic Symposia -- Ch.4

Buffy coat

layer of cells b/w plasma and the RBC layer that contains lymphocytes; can be used to initiate lymphocyte macro cultures

Cell cycle synchronization

Manipulation of cells so they are all brought to the same phase of the cell cycle at the same time

Colchicine

Alkaloid derived from members of the plant genus Colchicium that reversible binds tubulin, disrupts spindle formation

(prevents chromosomes of mitotic cells from entering anaphase)

Complete medium

Basal culture medium supplemented with nutrients to enhance cell growth