| Basis of differentiation | Continuous culture | Synchronous culture |
Definition | Is a set of methods used to consistently grow microorganisms under controlled growth rates for extended periods | Are cultures in which the majority of organisms are in the same stage of the cell cycle |
Nutrients | Nutrients are constantly added | Nutrients are not added continuously |
Cell cycle | Does not stay in same stage of the cell cycle | Stays in the same stage of the cell cycle |
Purpose | Its main purpose is to retain a continuous flow between the addition of fresh media and removal of cell suspension | Its main purpose is to cause the growth and division of cells so that majority of them pass through specific phases of the cell cycle |