Mutation and Mutagens Definitions

somatic mutation: a mutation in a somatic cell; somatic mutations produce "mosaic" or "chimeric' organisms since they have sectors of cells with different genotypes. In some plants and fungi tissue from the "mutant" sector may be grown into a whole reproducing organism; some of our better apple varieties arose from mutant sectors on a tree. Somatic mutations in animals can lead to cancer when genes that regulate cell division are mutated. germline mutations: mutations in the cells that produce gametes; these are inherited in successive generations, so are or primary concern to genetics.