Growth of a Human Leukemia Cell Line on Protein-Free Medium 1

Summary

Human leukemia cell line RPMI 4265 was maintained on a chemically defined medium without protein supplements. The doubling time of the cells was 46-52 hr, whereas cells grown on medium supplemented with serum had a doubling time of 18-24 hr. The rates of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis were also reduced. Growth could be stimulated by addition of fetuin, albumin, or serum to the medium, but there was a lag before the rapid growth level was attained.