What are the differences between germline mutation and somatic mutations?

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 

• Hemophilia
• Sickle Cell
• Down’s Syndrome 
• Cystic Fibrosis

• Cancers
• Tumor development 
• Neurodegenerative disorder