Which type of mutations occur in germ cells?

Germline mutations are the type of mutations that occur in germ cells, which are the reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) responsible for passing genetic information to the next generation. These mutations can be inherited and affect all cells of the offspring, potentially leading to various genetic disorders or contributing to evolutionary changes over generations.

When a germline mutation occurs, it can be transmitted to the organism's descendants, establishing a permanent change in the genetic makeup of the population. This contrasts with somatic mutations, which occur in non-germline cells and cannot be passed on to offspring.

Germline mutations can arise due to various factors, such as errors during DNA replication or exposure to certain environmental conditions, but the distinguishing feature is their heritable nature. In this context, environmental mutations and mutagenic mutations refer to mutations caused by external factors, but they do not specifically denote the type of cells in which they occur.