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

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Accepted Answer

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

Cell Line
Cell Strain

A cell line is a subculture obtained from a primary culture
A 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-up
It 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 cells
Euploid population of cells

Can have a finite lifespan or an indefinite lifespan
Has a finite lifespan

Can grow through serial passaging
Incapable of growing through serial passaging

Cell Line	Cell Strain
A cell line is a subculture obtained from a primary culture	A 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-up	It 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 cells	Euploid population of cells
Can have a finite lifespan or an indefinite lifespan	Has a finite lifespan
Can grow through serial passaging	Incapable of growing through serial passaging

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