MEM α, nucleosides
MEM α, nucleosides
Gibco™

MEM α, 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
12571063500 mL
1257107110 x 500 mL
125710481000 mL
125710896 x 1000 mL
Catalog number 12571063
Price (USD)
60.50
Each
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Quantity:
500 mL
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Price (USD)
60.50
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
• Ribonucleosides
• Deoxyribonucleosides
• Phenol Red
• L-glutamine


The complete formulation is available.

Using MEM 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
ClassificationAnimal Origin-free
Concentration1 X
FormLiquid
Product TypeMEM α (Minimum Essential Medium α)
Serum LevelStandard Serum Supplementation
Shelf Life12 Months From Date of Manufacture
SterilitySterile-filtered
With AdditivesLow Glucose, Glutamine, Phenol Red, Sodium Pyruvate, Ribonucleosides, Deoxyribonucleosides
Without AdditivesNo HEPES
Green FeaturesSustainable packaging
Manufacturing QualitycGMP-compliant under the ISO 13485 standard
Product LineGibco™
Quantity500 mL
Shipping ConditionRoom Temperature
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)

Do you offer an alternative for MEM α, nucleosides, no ascorbic acid (Cat. No. A1049001)

Unfortunately, we do not carry another MEM α formulation without ascorbic acid. The closest alternative would be MEM α, nucleosides (Cat. No. 12571063). However, this formulation contains ascorbic acid. The formulation can be found here:

Media Formulation: MEM alpha, nucleosides

Please use the link below to the Gibco Cell Culture Media Formulation Tool, which can be very helpful when comparing our different formulations.

Gibco Cell Culture Media Formulation Tool

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

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.

View all MEM α, nucleosides FAQs