What is the mutation called that occurs in gametes and can be passed to offspring?

A germline mutation occurs in the reproductive cells (gametes), such as sperm and eggs, and has the potential to be inherited by the offspring. When a germline mutation is passed to the next generation, it can become part of the genetic makeup of the offspring, affecting their phenotype and potentially contributing to evolutionary changes over time.

In contrast, somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells and are not passed on to offspring, which limits their impact to the individual where the mutation has occurred. While allelic mutations refer to variations in specific gene alleles, they are not a specific category of mutation based on their inheritance. Point mutations, on the other hand, involve a change in a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence and can be classified as germline or somatic depending on the type of cells in which they occur. Therefore, the defining characteristic of germline mutations is their ability to be passed on to future generations, making them significant in the study of heredity and evolution.