Basis of differentiation | Germline mutations | Somatic mutations |
Definition | Are alterations in the genetic sequence of genes of the germinal cells | Are alterations in the genetic sequence of genes of the somatic cells |
Potential to be inheritable | Are inheritable | Are not inheritable |
Also known as | Hereditary mutations -they are passed on to offspring | Acquired mutations - they are acquired during an individual’s life independent of parents |
Place of occurrence | Occur in germ cells (reproductive cells) | Occur in somatic or body cells |
Time of occurrence | Occur only during gametogenesis | Can occur at any stage of the life cycle |
Cells affected | All cells of the organism are affected | Only mutated cells and their progeny are affected |
Silent/observable effects | Effects are silent and not detectable in most cases | Effects are observable in most cases |
Mosaicism | Mosaicism is not common | Mosaicism is common |
Types of disorders | Are responsible for causing genetic disorders and germline cancers | Do not cause genetic disorders but may be responsible for causing cancer |
Treatable | Cannot be treated or cured | Can be treated and cured |
Role in evolution | Are the basis of evolution | Play no role in evolution |
Genetic importance | Are genetically important as they keep getting passed on to future generations and may result in different sub-species | Are not important genetically as they end with the death of the individual |