germline mutation [also called hereditary mutation]

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When a change in a gene is passed from parent to child. This happens when a gene changes in a way that is not normal inside the mother's egg or the father's sperm. The child that comes from this egg or sperm gets the gene change in every cell of the body. The change can be passed on from one generation to the next.

Audio contributed by: Marisa Weiss, M.D.

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