Which term describes the passage of a newly introduced gene through the reproductive cells to future generations?

Which term describes the passage of a newly introduced gene through the reproductive cells to future generations?

• A. Genotyping
• B. Germline transmission
• C. Polymerase chain reaction
• D. Embryonic stem cell insertion

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that only changes in germ cells (sperm or eggs) can be passed on to offspring. When a gene is introduced in a way that is present in these reproductive cells, it can be inherited by future generations—this is germline transmission. The focus here is on heritable changes, not on changes that stay with the individual. Genotyping is about determining which genetic variants an individual has, not about inheritance of a modification. PCR is a lab technique to amplify DNA sequences, also not about transmission to offspring. Embryonic stem cell insertion refers to putting a gene into stem cells, which might influence inheritance if those cells contribute to the germline, but the specific term for passing a gene through reproductive cells to future generations is germline transmission.

The key idea is that only changes in germ cells (sperm or eggs) can be passed on to offspring. When a gene is introduced in a way that is present in these reproductive cells, it can be inherited by future generations—this is germline transmission. The focus here is on heritable changes, not on changes that stay with the individual.

Genotyping is about determining which genetic variants an individual has, not about inheritance of a modification. PCR is a lab technique to amplify DNA sequences, also not about transmission to offspring. Embryonic stem cell insertion refers to putting a gene into stem cells, which might influence inheritance if those cells contribute to the germline, but the specific term for passing a gene through reproductive cells to future generations is germline transmission.