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What are the differences between germline mutation and somatic mutations?
Posted February 1, 2024
Answer
Basis of differentiation | Germline mutation | Somatic mutation |
Definition | Refers to change in the genetic sequence of genes of germinal cells | Refers to change in the genetic sequence of genes of somatic cells |
Also known as | Hereditary mutation - it is passed onto offspring | Acquired mutation - it is acquired during an individual’s life |
Site of occurrence | Germ cells or gametes | Single body cells such as skin cells, liver cells, lung cells, etc. |
Stage of occurrence | Occurs only during gametogenesis | Can occur at any stage of the organism’s life cycle |
Inheritance | Is inherited by the offspring | Is not inherited by the offspring |
Influence / Effect | Affects all the cells of the organism | Has a local effect – only tissue derived from the mutated cell is affected |
Detection | Is silent and does not show detectable effects | Usually shows observable effects |
Mosaicism | Mosaicism doesn’t usually occur | Mosaicism occurs |
Evolution | Is the basis of evolution - has an effect on evolution through natural selection | Plays no role in evolution |
Evolutionary significance | Is genetically more significant as it continues in the progeny of the individual breed and may result in separate subspecies | Is genetically insignificant as it ends with the death of the individual with the mutation and is not passed on to the progeny |
Role in disorders | Is responsible for genetic disorders and also germline cancers | Is not responsible for genetic disorders but may cause cancer |
Curable | Can’t be treated or cured | They can’t be treated or cured |
Examples |
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