MEM α, no nucleosides
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MEM α, no nucleosides
Gibco™

MEM α, no nucleosides

MEM α (Minimum Essential Medium α) is widely used for mammalian cell culture as well as selection for transfected DHFR-negativeRead more
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Catalog NumberQuantity
12561056500 mL
1256107210 x 500 mL
125610491000 mL
Catalog number 12561056
Price (USD)
53.50
Each
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Quantity:
500 mL
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Price (USD)
53.50
Each
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MEM α (Minimum Essential Medium α) is widely used for mammalian cell culture as well as selection for transfected DHFR-negative cells. MEM α can be used with a variety of suspension and adherent mammalian cells, including keratinocytes, primary rat astrocytes, and human melanoma cells. We offer a variety of MEM α modifications for a range of cell culture applications. Find the right formulation using the media selector tool.

This MEM α is modified as follows:

With: Phenol Red, L-glutamine

Without: Ribonucleosides, Deoxyribonucleosides

The complete formulation is available.

Using DMEM α

MEM α is a modification of Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) that contains non-essential amino acids, sodium pyruvate, lipoic acid, vitamin B12, biotin, and ascorbic acid. MEM α is available without nucleosides for use as a selection medium for DG44 and other DHFR-negative cells. This product is made with Earle's salts. MEM α contains no proteins, lipids, or growth factors. Therefore, MEM α requires supplementation, commonly with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). MEM α uses a sodium bicarbonate buffer system (2.2 g/L), and therefore requires a 5–10% CO2 environment to maintain physiological pH.

For Research Use or Further Manufacturing. Not for diagnostic use or direct administration into humans or animals.
Specifications
Cell LineHeLa, BHK-21, 293, HEP-2, HT-1080, MCF-7, and fibroblasts
Cell TypePrimary Rat Astrocytes
Concentration1 X
Manufacturing QualitycGMP-compliant under the ISO 13485 standard
Product LineGibco™
Product TypeMEM α (Minimum Essential Medium α)
Quantity500 mL
Shelf Life12 Months From Date of Manufacture
Shipping ConditionRoom Temperature
ClassificationAnimal Origin-free
FormLiquid
Serum LevelStandard Serum Supplementation
SterilitySterile-filtered
Sterilization MethodSterile-filtered
With AdditivesLow Glucose, Glutamine, Phenol Red, Sodium Pyruvate
Without AdditivesNo HEPES, No Ribonucleosides, No Deoxyribonucleosides
Unit SizeEach
Contents & Storage
Storage conditions: 2-8° C. Protect from light
Shipping conditions: Ambient
Shelf life: 12 months from date of manufacture

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between MEM α, nucleosides and MEM α, no nucleosides?

Our MEM α, nucleosides is widely used for mammalian cell culture as well as selection for transfected DHFR-negative cells.
Our MEM α without nucleosides can be used a selection medium for DG44 and other DHFR-negative cells (DHFR = dihydrofolate reductase).
DHFR-negative cells are unable to grow unless the culture medium is supplemented with essential metabolites, including hypoxanthine and thymidine.

Where can I find the osmolality for MEM Medium?

The osmolality is listed in the COA for the particular lot number of the medium.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

How long can I keep my media after supplementing with serum?

Generally speaking, media can be used for up to three weeks after supplementation with serum. There are no formal studies to support this, but it is the rule of thumb used by our scientists.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Mammalian Cell Culture Basics Support Center.

My medium was shipped at room temperature but it is supposed to be stored refrigerated. Is it okay?

We routinely ship media that require long-term storage in the refrigerator at room temperature. We have done studies on representative media formulations to show that media can be at room temperature for up to a week without a problem.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Mammalian Cell Culture Basics Support Center.

How can I remove mycoplasma contamination from my cell culture medium?

Very often mycoplasma contamination cannot be removed from the culture so it should be discarded. You may have a unique culture that you prefer not to discard and would like to try to clean it. Ciprofloxacin and Plasmocin have reportedly been used for this application. If interested in a protocol or directions for use, check with the antibiotic supplier or published literature. Note that mycoplasma are very difficult to remove from culture and spread easily so the treated cultures should be quarantined until clear of mycoplasma, and your laboratory should be thoroughly cleaned.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

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