Which mutation occurs in gametes and can be inherited by offspring?

A germ-line mutation occurs in the reproductive cells, or gametes, such as sperm and eggs. This type of mutation is significant because it can be passed on to the next generation, affecting the genetic makeup of the offspring. Germ-line mutations can arise from various mechanisms, including errors during DNA replication, environmental factors, or can be inherited from previous generations. The ability to be inherited distinguishes germ-line mutations from somatic mutations, which occur in non-reproductive cells and cannot be passed to offspring. Induced and spontaneous mutations denote the origin of mutations but do not specify whether they occur in somatic or germ-line cells. Thus, the defining feature of germ-line mutations is their potential to be transmitted to subsequent generations, playing a crucial role in evolution and genetics within populations.