germline

This term is primarily used in genetics and molecular biology to distinguish hereditary genetic material from somatic material. While somatic mutations occur in individual body cells and cannot be passed to offspring, germline changes are integrated into the gametes, meaning they are present in every cell of the resulting organism.

In a clinical or research context, the word often appears in the phrase "germline mutation" to indicate a congenital condition rather than an acquired one. It carries a highly technical register and is rarely used outside of scientific, medical, or bioethical discussions regarding genetic engineering and inheritance.