DMEM pyruvate and glutamate - (Feb/23/2011 )

HI everybody. I would like to know what are the components of common DMEM, and why do we sometimes add glutamine? Plus what is the purpose of adding pyruvate (DMEM has glucose - right)? Plus if you could explain the purpose of keeping cells in 5% CO2?
Thank you so much!

Have a look for "Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium" (DMEM) on the web - the components are well known and defined. Glutamine is labile.

CO2 conditions in the body...

Thank you for your fast reply. For some reason we also add pyruvate 1% to the medium. Do you have any ideas why?
Thanks and have a great day

Historical reasons - energy source.