|
Strain (biology) - Definition and Overview |
| Related Words: Anatomy, Anthropology, Astrobiology, Bacteriology, Biochemistry, Biometrics, Biometry, Bionics, Bionomics, Biophysics, Botany, Conchology, Cryobiology, Cybernetics, Cytology, Ecology, Embryology, Entomology |
|
|
|
In biology, Strain can be used two ways.
A strain is a genetic variant or subtype of a virus or bacterium, or an inbred line of a higher organism. For example, a "flu strain" is a certain biological form of the influenza or "flu" virus.
A strain is a group of plants with similar (but not identical) appearance and/or properties. Sometimes incorrectly used as a synonym for variety. Strains are similar to series and groups.
|
|
|
