germline
noun
- the cellular lineage of a sexually-reproducing organism from which eggs and sperm are derived
- the genetic material contained in this cellular lineage which can be passed to the next generation
Wiktionary
noun
Etymology: From germ + line.
- Those cells of an individual that have genetic material that could be passed to offspring; the source of gametes.
“Germline gene therapy is a controversial, complex topic; only through many open discussions of this topic by a broad spectrum of our society will we gain the wisdom needed for proper evaluation of the factors that must be considered before we complete initiation of these protocols.”