What are the differences between bulk and scRNA-seq?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Bulk sequencing

Single cell RNA-seq

Definition

Sequencing library represents a population of cells

Sequencing library represents a single cell

Output type

Measures average expression level across a cell population

Provides more detailed information on individual cells

Complexity level

Quicker and less complex analysis

More complex analysis

Expression

Information on heterogeneity of the cell population is unavailable

Provides information on heterogeneity of cell populations and subpopulation expression

Time

Less time-consuming

More time-consuming

Labor

Less laborious

Labor intensive

Cost

Less expensive

More expensive

Basis of differentiation	Bulk sequencing	Single cell RNA-seq
Definition	Sequencing library represents a population of cells	Sequencing library represents a single cell
Output type	Measures average expression level across a cell population	Provides more detailed information on individual cells
Complexity level	Quicker and less complex analysis	More complex analysis
Expression	Information on heterogeneity of the cell population is unavailable	Provides information on heterogeneity of cell populations and subpopulation expression
Time	Less time-consuming	More time-consuming
Labor	Less laborious	Labor intensive
Cost	Less expensive	More expensive