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Core Genetics & Mechanisms

Germline Transmission

The process by which a genetic modification introduced into an organism is passed on to its offspring through reproductive (germ) cells. It confirms that the engineered change is stably integrated into the genome and can be inherited by future generations.

Overview

Germline transmission is the process by which a genetic modification introduced into an organism—such as a mouse—is passed on to its offspring through reproductive (germ) cells. It confirms that the engineered change is stably integrated into the genome and can be inherited by future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is germline transmission confirmed?

Germline transmission is typically confirmed by breeding chimeric founders with wild-type mice and genotyping the progeny. If offspring inherit the modified allele, germline transmission has occurred.

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Related Terms

Mosaicism (Genetic Mosaic)

The presence of two or more genetically distinct cell populations within the same organism that originated from a single fertilized egg. In genetic engineering, mosaicism arises when not all cells carry the intended genetic modification.

Blastocyst Injection / Chimera Production

The process of introducing genetically modified cells into a developing mouse blastocyst to create a chimera—an organism composed of cells from both the host embryo and the engineered cells.

Breeding Scheme (Hetero × Hetero, etc.)

Planned mating strategies used to generate offspring of specific genotypes—such as heterozygous, homozygous, or compound mutant combinations—from established genetically modified lines.

More in Core Genetics & Mechanisms

Point MutationMissense and Nonsense MutationsFrameshift MutationGain-of-Function vs. Loss-of-Function MutationsAllele / Genotype / Phenotype
Germline Confirmation / Coat Color MarkersView All TermsGraft-versus-Host / Engraftment Considerations

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