What is the difference between germline mutations and somatic mutations?

A germline mutation, or germinal mutation, is any detectable variation within germ cells. Mutations in these cells are the only mutations that can be passed on to offspring, when either a mutated sperm or oocyte come together to form a zygote

Explanation:

A germline mutation, or germinal mutation, is any detectable variation within germ cells (cells that, when fully developed, become sperm and ovum). Mutations in these cells are the only mutations that can be passed on to offspring, when either a mutated sperm or oocyte come together to form a zygote.

Somatic mutation, genetic alteration acquired by a cell that can be passed to the progeny of the mutated cell in the course of cell division. Somatic mutations differ from germ line mutations, which are inherited genetic alterations that occur in the germ cells (i. e., sperm and eggs).

-Germline mutations occur in sex cells and are inheritable, while somatic mutations occur in somatic cells and are non-inheritable.

Explanation:

Mutations are permanent changes in genetic material due to alterations in nucleotide sequence of DNA. On the basis of inheritance, mutations can be divided into germline mutations and somatic mutations.

Germline mutations are those mutations that take place in germ cells (reproductive cells or sex cells). As these cells form gametes (sperms or eggs), mutations in these cells pass to their offspring. Hence, germline mutations are heritable mutations.

Somatic mutations are those mutations that take place in body cells or somatic cells. As these cells are not involved in reproduction, these mutations cannot pass to offspring and are non-inheritable.