Question

Explain the term germline in multicellular entities.

Answer 1

Multicellular entities:

1. Organisms that are made up of more than one cell are called multicellular organisms.
2. Eukaryotes are almost always multicellular organisms.

Germline:

1. Germline is the population of the cell of a multicellular organism that transfers its genetic material to the offspring.
2. Germ line refers to the sex cells (eggs and sperm) that sexually reproducing organisms use to pass on their genomes from one generation to the next (parents to offspring).
3. Egg and sperm cells are called germ cells, in contrast to the other cells of the body, which are called somatic cells.
4. The primordial germ cells, or precursor germ line cells, are generated in the early embryo and move to the developing gonad, these become germline stem cells and produce gametes in adults, the eggs, or sperm.
5. Together, egg and sperm make up the germ lines of the organism.
6. Germ lines are the link between generations.
7. A mutation contained in the germline can be passed on from parents to progenies and is hereditary.

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