Animal cells can be stored frozen indefinitely. To begin the process of growing them again, we need to thaw the cells and put them in the growth media.

Animal cells, as you probably know, are eukaryotic. In past classes, you have grown prokaryotic cells.

How is growing eukaryotes different than growing prokaryotes?

You will start with a different media, and the technique is different. It is also important to constantly monitor the cells for growth and maintaining the population in a particular range. Too many cells or not enough cells are both problematic. It’s also easier to contaminate eukaryotic cells.

Growth media
  a solution that provides all the nutrients needed for cells to grow

Read this article for information on what exactly goes into a growth media solution and how it helps cells grow.

Cell Culture Media: A Review

### Learning Objectives:

- 1.1 - Transfer mammalian cells to media.