Definition
The precursor to gametes. Variation can be present in germ cells (known as germline variation/mutation).
Use in clinical context
Gametes are formed from germ cells by meiosis. Variations that are present in the germ cell DNA are passed into the gametes at meiosis, hence variants found in these cells can be passed on to the next generation.
Related terms
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) | Egg (gamete) | Gamete | Genome | Germline | Haploid | Meiosis | Sperm | Variant
