Cross strain意思

"Cross strain" is a term that is used in various contexts, but it is most commonly associated with genetics, agriculture, and specifically in the context of plant breeding and animal husbandry. In these fields, "cross strain" refers to the offspring produced by breeding two different strains or varieties of the same species.

For example, in agriculture, breeders might cross a strain of wheat that is resistant to a particular disease with another strain that has high yield potential to create offspring that have both traits. Similarly, in animal husbandry, a breeder might cross a strain of cattle known for its beef quality with one known for its hardiness to produce offspring that have both traits.

In the context of genetics and molecular biology, "cross strain" can also refer to the transfer of genetic material between different strains of a microorganism through a process called horizontal gene transfer. This can happen naturally or through experimental methods like genetic engineering.

It's important to note that the term "cross strain" is not as widely used in everyday language as other terms like "crossbreed" or "hybrid," which are more commonly used to describe the offspring of two different strains, varieties, or species.