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What is the function of DMSO and glycerol in cell culture?
Posted July 22, 2020
Answer
DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and glycerol are used as cryoprotectant agents in cell culture. They can reduce the freezing point of the medium, protecting cells from the formation of ice crystals during -80 °C freezing and storage, which can damage the cell and cause cell death.
Additional resources
Berg, J. M., Tymoczko, J. L., & Stryer, L. (2008). Biochemistry (Loose-Leaf). Macmillan.
Butler, M. (2004). Animal cell culture and technology. Taylor & Francis.