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AAT Bioquest

What is the difference between a cell line and a cell strain?

Posted December 16, 2020


Answer

The following table outlines the major differences between a primary and secondary cell culture:

Cell LineCell Strain
A cell line is a subculture obtained from a primary cultureA cell strain is a subpopulation of a cell line
It is developed from a single cell and consists of cells with a uniform genetic make-upIt has been positively selected from the culture by cloning or some other method and possesses a specific feature (e.g. chromosome, antigen, etc.)
Aneuploid population of cellsEuploid population of cells
Can have a finite lifespan or an indefinite lifespanHas a finite lifespan
Can grow through serial passagingIncapable of growing through serial passaging
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