Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: For the culture of mammalian cell lines, glutamine is added to the culture media that serves as the precursor of nucleic acids besides being an important source of energy.
Statement II: Cholesterol and phospholipids are used in the basal media of several serum-free media formulations
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Hint:

Cell Culture Media Components: L-Glutamine = Energy fuel + Nitrogen for nucleic acids. Lipids (Cholesterol/Phospholipids) = Essential membrane precursors in Serum-Free Media.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Mammalian cell culture media formulations (such as DMEM and RPMI) provide specific amino acids and lipid supplements to replace animal serum.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Statement I: L-Glutamine is an essential nutrient added at high concentrations ($2-4\text{ mM}$) in cell culture media. It serves as an essential nitrogen donor for purine and pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis and acts as a major oxidative carbon fuel via glutaminolysis (entering the TCA cycle as $\alpha$-ketoglutarate). Hence, Statement I is true.
2. Statement II: In serum-free media (SFM) formulations lacking fetal bovine serum (FBS), defined lipid emulsions containing cholesterol, phospholipids, and essential fatty acids are added to maintain plasma membrane synthesis and fluidity. Hence, Statement II is true.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, Both Statement I and Statement II are true, corresponding to option (A).