Question

Although not required for cell growth, antibiotics are added in animal cell culture medium. Give reason. Name two such antibiotics.

Hint:

Antibiotics in cell culture media prevent microbial contamination; Penicillin and Streptomycin are commonly used.

Answer 1

Antibiotics are added to animal cell culture medium to prevent contamination by bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms, which can outgrow and damage the cultured cells. While animal cells do not require antibiotics for their growth, contamination can ruin the culture, making antibiotics an important precautionary measure. Two common antibiotics used in animal cell culture:

• Penicillin — inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.
• Streptomycin — inhibits bacterial protein synthesis.