0
$\begingroup$

I'm currently reading some introductory chapters about genetics (in Campbell's book, chapter 13) and I realized that I don't really understand what is the difference between the germ line and the germ cells.

From what I read so far, I understand that germ cells are specialized cells from which gametes are produced, and I suppose that the germ line is the "set" of all germ cells + gametes, but for some reason I couldn't find a good definition of what the germ line is and I was not satisfied with what I found in books and on the internet (because it was not as clear as I thought it could be)...

So, even if I'm ashamed to ask... Could someone explain to me the difference between those two concepts? Thanks in advance!

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

Germ cells are the cells of germline. Germline is a lineage of germ cells from germline stem cells to gametes. Cells that do not belong to germline are called somatic cells.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ ...and somatic cells form the soma (which should maybe be called somatic line instead for clarity). +1 $\endgroup$
    – Remi.b
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 1:25

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .