What is the Difference Between Germline and Somatic Mutations?
The primary difference between germline and somatic mutations lies in their origin and heritability. Germline mutations occur in reproductive cells and are heritable, meaning they can be passed to the next generation. Somatic mutations, on the other hand, occur in non-reproductive cells and are not passed on to offspring. Both types of mutations can contribute to cancer, but germline mutations often predispose individuals to a higher risk of developing cancer over their lifetime.
