In cell culture, some of the cells require extra L-glutamine supplementation within the medium. What could be the aim of this supplement and why is specifically L-glutamine supplemented?
Hello Hayri Dai
L-glutamine is an amino acid supplement commonly added to mammalian cell culture media because it serves as an auxiliary energy source, especially when cells are rapidly dividing and can be used by cells as a source of nitrogen for the synthesis of proteins, amino sugars, glutathione and it also participates in the formation of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides.
The cell culture media do contain L-glutamine, but unlike most other amino acids, L-glutamine is not stable in solution. The rate at which degradation of L-glutamine proceeds is a function of time, temperature, and pH. Therefore, L-glutamine is supplemented in culture media in dipeptide form, such as L-alanine-L-glutamine which is more stable in aqueous solutions and does not spontaneously degrade.
So, certain cell types depending on their needs do require extra L-glutamine which is provided as supplement in the growth medium.
Best.
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