The following table outlines the major differences between a primary and secondary cell culture:
| Primary Cell Culture | Secondary Cell Culture |
| Consists of cells directly taken from the host tissue | Consists of sub-cultured or passaged cells from a primary culture |
| Heterogeneous cell population | Homogenous cell population |
| Cells have a finite lifespan | Prolongs the lifespan of cells |
| Cells closely resemble the host tissue and its normal physiology | Cells have adapted to the culture conditions and may have undergone mutations or genetic alterations during sub-culturing |
| Can serve as an in vivo model system | Serves as an in vitro model system |
| Difficult to maintain | Easier to maintain |
| High risk of contamination | Low risk of contamination |