This document discusses the basics of cell culture media and its supplements. It describes the key components of media including nutrients, non-nutrients, and serum. Serum provides many benefits as a medium supplement but also has disadvantages like introducing animal viruses and variability between batches. Defined serum-free media are now commonly used to avoid these issues. The choice of medium and its constituents can impact the culturing and passaging of cells.

1. Basics of Cell Culture Media & its Supplements - Ravin Mehta