Assertion: Serum is the most important component of culture media. Reason: Serum is a good source of nutrients and also helps in cell proliferation and cell-matrix attachment.
Explanation
Option A is correct because both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The context clearly states that 'Serum is one of the most important components of cell culture media.' The reason is also accurate as the context explains that serum is 'a good source for amino acids, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, lipids, hormones, growth factors, etc.' (nutrients), and it 'supplements adhesion factors that help the cells to adhere to substratum before they begin to divide' (cell-matrix attachment). Additionally, serum supports 'the growth of cells in culture' (cell proliferation). Since the reason directly explains why serum is considered the most important component of culture media, it is the correct explanation of the assertion.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Verify the assertion - The context states 'Serum is one of the most important components of cell culture media', confirming the assertion is true.
Step 2: Verify the reason - The context confirms serum provides nutrients (amino acids, proteins, vitamins, etc.), supports cell growth/proliferation, and provides adhesion factors for cell-matrix attachment.
Step 3: Determine if reason explains assertion - The reason correctly explains WHY serum is important: it provides essential nutrients and supports proliferation and attachment, which are critical functions for cell culture.
Step 4: Select Option A as both statements are true and the reason is the correct explanation.