Cell Culture

What are finite cell lines established by?

Mechanical or enzymatic disruption of tissues followed by a transfer of the released cells to a growth medium.

What is the typical lifespan of finite cell lines?

Finite cell lines typically die out after about 40-50 divisions.

What is meant by anchorage dependent in cell lines?

Anchorage dependent means that cells will not grow and divide unless they can attach to a solid substratum and form a continuous monolayer.

What phenomenon inhibits the growth of cells when they become crowded?

Density dependent growth inhibition or contact inhibition.

What are established or continuous cell lines able to do as long as they have access to food?

They can continue to divide as long as they have access to food and room to grow.

From what source can continuous cell lines be derived?

Cell lines can derive from tumor tissue or have been genetically modified.

What is the common growth medium used for cell culture called?

Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM).

What role do antibiotics play in cell culture media?

They provide protection against contamination by bacteria and fungi.

What does phenol red indicate in cell culture medium?

Phenol red indicates the pH of the medium; at pH 7.4 it is red/orange, at high pH it is cherry-red, and at low pH it is yellow.

What temperature and CO2 levels do incubators for cell culture replicate?

Incubators replicate normal growth conditions at 37°C and high CO2 levels of 5-10%.

What is confluency in cell cultures?

Confluency is the proportion of cell medium covered by adherent cells, indicating the establishment of a monolayer.

How are most cell cultures detached from the substratum?

Typically done using the enzyme trypsin which cleaves linkages between the cell and the substratum.

What does yellowing of the cell medium indicate?

Yellowing of the cell medium can indicate that cells have reached a high density and need to be split.

What is a hemocytometer used for?

A hemocytometer is a cell counting chamber used to count cells under the microscope.

What is the main function of a laminar flow cabinet in cell culture?

It provides a sterile environment by filtering the air to remove small particles like bacteria.

What are inverted microscopes equipped with for better cell visibility?

They are usually equipped with phase contrast optics.

What does high levels of fetal bovine serum promote in cell cultures?

It promotes cell growth, division, and adhesion.

What happens to the cell medium color in case of bacterial contamination?

Bacterial contamination turns the medium yellow.

What indicators can suggest a high density of cells in culture medium?

Yellowing cell medium and the necessity to split cultures.

What role does glutamine play in cell growth medium?

Promotes cell adhesion to solid surfaces.

What is HEPES?

Second buffer within cell growth media that provides extra protection for when a culture must be removed from the incubator