No.

Advantages

Disadvantages

1.

Provides basic nutrient for cells, nutrients being present in the solution and also bound to proteins.

Inhibits growth of some cell types, e.g. epidermal keratinocytes.

2.

Provides several hormones e.g. insulin, testosterone, prostaglandin, etc., which are essential for cell growth

May contain some cytotoxic constituents.

3.

Contains several growth factors, e.g. platelet derived growth factor (PDGF).

Serum quality varies from batch to batch which requires costly and time-consuming tests for each batch.

4.

Supplies proteins, e.g. fibronectin promoting attachment of cells and spreading.

Some growth factors are inadequate for specific cell types.

5.

Provides several binding proteins, e.g. albumin and transferrin, which carry other molecules into the cell.

When cell cultures are used for production of biochemicals, the serum interferes with downstream processing.

6.

Increases viscosity of the medium. thereby protecting cells from mechanical damage.

Supply of serum is always lower than its demand.

7.

Protease inhibitors in the serum protect cells from proteolysis.

8.

Provides several minerals e.g. Na⁺, K⁺, etc.

9.

Acts as a buffer.