cell line

This term is a specialized technical expression used primarily in biotechnology, oncology, and molecular biology. It refers to a stable population of cells that can be propagated indefinitely in vitro, distinguishing it from primary cultures which have a limited lifespan before undergoing senescence.

In a laboratory setting, the term carries a connotation of standardization and reproducibility. Because a cell line is genetically identical across samples, it allows researchers to ensure that experimental results are due to the variables being tested rather than biological variation between different cell sources.