Germline - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Germline refers to the cells in an organism that pass genetic material to offspring, such as eggs and sperm. These cells are responsible for hereditary traits and differ from somatic cells.
Definition:
The sequence of cells that develop into eggs or sperm, passing genetic material to offspring.
Synonyms:
germinal line, reproductive cells, hereditary line
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
somatic cells, non-reproductive cells
Common Collocations:
germline mutation, germline editing, germline transmission, germline therapy
Derivatives:
germinal, germinative
Usage Tips:
Use "germline" when discussing inherited genetic traits or modifications in reproductive cells.
Common Phrases:
germline engineering, germline inheritance, germline modification
Etymology:
Derived from "germ" (seed) and "line," referring to the lineage of reproductive cells.
Examples:
- 1. Scientists study the germline to understand hereditary diseases.
- 2. Germline mutations can be passed down to future generations.
- 3. Editing the germline raises ethical questions in biotechnology.
- 4. The germline contains DNA shared by all offspring.