Basis of differentiation | Cell line | Cell strain | Cell type |
Definition | Is a defined population of cells which are derived from a single cell or group of cells | Are derived from a primary culture (through subculturing techniques) | Is a specific type of cell (e.g. neurons, white blood cells) |
Replication | Can be replicated infinitely under proper conditions | Have limited replication abilities, and go through senescence | Cells can replicate depending on the cell type (e.g. stem cells can, red blood cells cannot) |
Stability | Can go through genetic changes overtime (genetic drift) | Is more genetically stable a cell line, but may have mutations | Is genetically stable since it is a cell type |
Ploidy | Aneuploid | Euploid | All somatic cells in the body are diploid, while sex cells are haploid |
Serial passaging | Is able to grow through serial passages | Is not able to grow through serial passages | Some primary cells such as fibroblasts are able to grow through serial passaging |