Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) is a general use medium ideal for the growth and maintenance of a wide range of mammalian cell types. MEM with Earle's salts and L-glutamine has demonstrated the ability to support a variety of normal and transformed cells in culture and contains Earle’s balanced salts, which makes it suitable for use in atmospheres charged with CO₂ gas.

MEM Eagle (Modified) can be used to support the growth of a variety of suspension or adherent mammalian cells, including HeLa, BHK-21, 293, HEP-2, HT-1080, MCF-7, SP2/0, CHO. fibroblasts and primary rat astrocytes, with proper supplementation.