Correct Answer: (C) P, Q, and R only

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) serves as a critical supplement in animal cell culture media, providing essential growth factors and nutrients at 5-10% concentration. Statements P, Q, and R accurately describe its functions, while S does not.​

Statement Analysis

P. It stimulates cell growth
FBS promotes cell proliferation through hormones, growth factors, and nutrients that support metabolism and division.​

Q. It enhances cell attachment
FBS supplies attachment factors and proteins like fibronectin that aid cell adhesion to culture surfaces.​

R. It provides hormones and minerals
FBS contains hormones, trace elements, electrolytes, and transport proteins essential for cell viability.​

S. It maintains pH at 7.4
FBS does not buffer or maintain pH; media use bicarbonate/CO2 systems for pH control around 7.4.​

Fetal bovine serum function in animal cell culture makes it indispensable for biotech research. Added at 5-10% to basal media like DMEM, FBS mimics physiological conditions.​

Core Functions

• Growth Stimulation: Supplies growth factors for proliferation, outperforming adult sera due to low antibodies.​

• Cell Attachment: Provides adhesion proteins for anchorage-dependent cells.​

• Nutrient Delivery: Delivers hormones, minerals, lipids, and transport proteins like albumin.​

Common Misconception: pH Control

FBS lacks buffering capacity; pH 7.4 maintenance relies on media bicarbonate and 5-10% CO2 incubation.​

Exam Relevance

In GATE Biotechnology Q.45, option (C) P, Q, R only is correct, as confirmed by standard references and prior papers.​