What is the main impact of a germline mutation?

The main impact of a germline mutation is that it is passed on to the next generation. Germline mutations occur in the reproductive cells (sperm and eggs), which means that when these cells contribute to the formation of offspring, the mutation can be inherited. This distinguishes germline mutations from somatic mutations, which occur in non-reproductive cells and are not passed on to offspring.

Because germline mutations can be transmitted to the next generation, they play a critical role in evolution and can contribute to genetic diversity within a population. If such mutations confer a beneficial trait, they may be positively selected for over successive generations, affecting the genetic composition of the population as a whole.

In contrast, mutations that are limited to the individual personal health or biological functions without being inheritable or affecting the next generation are not classified as germline mutations. This distinction is crucial in genetics, as it highlights how certain mutations can have far-reaching implications beyond the individual organism.