Cell Preservation

Abstract

As noted in Chapter 5, cells may not retain their differentiated properties in continuous culture. This is true for both primary isolates and cell lines that are continuously propagated within the laboratory. To preserve desired characteristics, cell stocks should be frozen (cell banking) when the cells are relatively young (low subculture number or low number of population doublings). The stocks can then be retrieved at will for later culture. Stores of frozen cell stocks also come in handy when a dreaded contamination hits the laboratory. After cleanup, culture can be started again with the frozen stocks.