The Basics series provide the ideal introduction to new techniques in the laboratory. This series of books will allows you to use the techniques described, and to manipulate them to suit your own basic requirements. Some basic theory is given, but is linked to simple explanations and suggestions for which protocols may be suitable for you to use. Each book answers the important questions of 'why' and 'how' experiments are carried out. Particular attention is given to the interpretation of data and the possible sources of errors and artifacts that may be encountered. If you are a students new to the technique involved, or even if you are an experienced worker in the field, this series of use-friendly guides to successful laboratory techniques will be ideal for you. This book describes the basic requirements for establishing and maintaining cell cultures both in the laboratory and in large-scale operations. Minimal background knowledge of the subject is assumed and therefore it will be a readable introduction to animal cell culture for scientists intending to initiate some work in this field. New topics are included to reflect the latest developments and trends in the field. They cover the latest theory of the biological clock (teleomeres) of cell lines, the development of improved serum-free media formulations, the increased understanding of the importance and control of protein glycosylation and the humanization of antibodies for therapeutic use.