Basis of differentiation | Germ cells | Somatic cells |
Definition | Germ cells encompass only egg and sperm cells | Encompass all cells in the body except egg and sperm cells |
Occurrence | Found in the gonads – ovaries in females, testes in males | Found throughout the body except the gonads |
Nature of the cells | Are haploid in nature toward the end of their cycle | Are diploid in nature, inheriting one set of chromosomes from each parent |
Produced by | Sexual reproduction | Asexual reproduction |
Production of gametes | Produce gametes (reproductive cells) | Not involved in the production of gametes |
Abundance | Relatively fewer in number | Highly abundant, making up the majority of cells in the body |
Type of cell division | Meiosis | Mitosis |
Mutations | Get passed on through generations | Are usually not passed on through generations |
Transfer of genetic information | Can transfer genetic information | Cannot transfer genetic information |
Function |
| Diverse functions with different types of somatic cells participating in different bodily functions |