germlinecompetent
Germlinecompetent, typically written germline-competent, is a term used in genetics and developmental biology to describe the ability of a cell, embryo, or organism to contribute genetic material to the germline, and therefore to heritable offspring. The germline is the lineage of cells that give rise to gametes (sperm and eggs), so germline competence implies that donor genetic material can be transmitted to subsequent generations. The concept is central to studies of germline transmission, transgenesis, and the creation of animal models with heritable genetic modifications.
In practice, germline competence is often demonstrated in model organisms by producing chimeric individuals in which
Germline competence has enabled the generation of transgenic and gene-edited animal models, including targeted gene knockouts
Ethical and regulatory considerations surround germline modification, especially in humans, due to the potential for heritable
See also: germline, germline transmission, embryonic stem cells, pluripotent stem cells, chimeric animals.