Germline Mutation
Definition
A sequence change in a lineage that can contribute to offspring. A somatic mutation occurs in a body-cell lineage and is usually not transmitted that way. The category does not by itself identify the timing, cause or clinical significance of a particular sequence change.
- Context
- Genetic change
For example, a change in a lineage contributing to an egg or sperm can have a different inheritance consequence from a change confined to a skin-cell lineage.
Interpretation requires relevant observations and methods.
Related terms
- Frameshift
- A shift in a coding reading frame caused by a length change not divisible by three. A mismatch concerns a non-standard base...
- Semiconservative Replication
- Copying in which each daughter DNA duplex contains a parental strand and a newly synthesised strand. The principle describes replication, not an...
- Somatic Mutation
- A change occurring in a body-cell lineage, usually not transmitted to offspring. The category does not by itself identify the timing, cause...
- Stutter
- An amplification artefact at an STR target, commonly differing by one repeat from an allele. Dropout concerns a true contributor allele not...