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The terms "somatic" and "germline" refer to different types of cells. Germline or germ cells are the sex cells-the egg and sperm. Somatic cells are all the other cells in the body. Germline DNA refers to the DNA we get from our parents. We get some mutations from our parents. These are called germline (or hereditary) mutations. These mutations are present in all the cells of our bodies. Some of these mutations may cause or increase our risk of getting certain diseases, like cancer. Somatic cells will also contain the DNA from our parents. But they can also develop other mutations after you are born. These new mutations are somatic (or acquired) mutations. Somatic mutations are not passed to our children. But, when cells with a somatic mutation divide, the new cells will also contain the new mutations. Most types of cancer are a result of somatic mutations.
Credits: All images used with permission This work was partially funded by a grant from the IMLS (LG-06-13-0180-13).