Germline transmission is demonstrated when the mutation is observed in offspring.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not necessarily
• D. Only under certain conditions

Answer: (A)

Germline transmission means a mutation is present in the reproductive cells (sperm or egg) and can be passed to the next generation. If you observe the mutation in offspring, it shows that the mutated allele was carried in the parent’s germ cells and was successfully transmitted through fertilization. That direct appearance of the mutation in progeny is the clearest demonstration that it is heritable via the germline, as opposed to a mutation that occurs only in somatic tissues and would not appear in offspring. So, seeing the mutation in offspring confirms germline transmission.