Now it is time to cryopreserve your cells. This is a simple process. In the media, there is a cryoprotectant. The cryoprotectant protects the cells when they are frozen in -80 degree Celcius so they don’t die. The cryoprotectant you’ll be using is Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO). DMSO prevents the formation of ice crystals so that cells don’t get destroyed.

You will use a cryovial, a sturdy test tube that can withstand freezing temperatures.

You will also use a freezing container. The freezing container slowly brings the cells from room temperature to -80 degrees Celsius.

CC BY-SA 3.0, from Wikimedia Commons

### Learning Objectives:

- 1.9 - Cryopreserve cell cultures.