The differences between finite and continuous cell lines are as follows:
Life span: Finite cell lines can undergo only a limited number of population doublings, whereas continuous cells are capable of an unlimited number of population doublings, often referred to as immortal cell culture.
Type of transformation: Finite cell lines undergo normal genetic transformations, while continuous cell lines have undergone transformations that alter their growth into immortal stages.
Cloning efficiency: Finite cell lines generally have a low cloning efficiency, whilst continuous cell lines have a high cloning efficiency.
Growth rate: Finite cell lines have a slow growth rate while continuous cell lines have a fast growth rate.
Yield: The yield of finite cell lines is usually low, while continuous cell lines produce high yields.
Nutrient requirement: Finite cell lines have a high nutrient requirement, whereas continuous cell lines have a low nutrient requirement.
Function of parent cells: Finite cells line may retain special function of the parent cells, which are usually lost by the continuous cell lines.
Markers: Finite cell lines possess tissue-specific markers, while continuous cell lines possess chromosomal, enzymatic, and antigenic markers.
Type of cell cultures: Finite cell lines are grown in monolayer cultures, whereas continuous cell lines can be grown in both monolayer and suspension cultures.