Homonym: strains (Stress)
Strains refer to variations within a species, often distinguished by specific characteristics such as appearance, growth patterns, or chemical composition. In the context of plants, particularly cannabis, strains can differ in their effects, flavors, and medicinal properties. Each strain is cultivated to enhance certain traits, making them unique.
In microbiology, strains denote genetic variants of microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses. These strains can exhibit different behaviors, such as resistance to antibiotics or variations in virulence. Understanding strains is crucial for developing targeted treatments and vaccines, as well as for studying the evolution of pathogens.