What are the differences between germ cells and somatic cells?

Basis of differentiation 

Germ cells 

Somatic cells 

Definition 

Germ cells encompass only egg and sperm cells

Encompass all cells in the body except egg and sperm cells

Occurrence 

Found in the gonads – ovaries in females, testes in males

Found throughout the body except the gonads

Nature of the cells

Are haploid in nature toward the end of their cycle

Are diploid in nature, inheriting one set of chromosomes from each parent 

Produced by 

Sexual reproduction

Asexual reproduction

Production of gametes

Produce gametes (reproductive cells) 

Not involved in the production of gametes

Abundance 

Relatively fewer in number

Highly abundant, making up the majority of cells in the body

Type of cell division

Meiosis

Mitosis

Mutations 

Get passed on through generations

Are usually not passed on through generations

Transfer of genetic information

Can transfer genetic information 

Cannot transfer genetic information

Function 

• Production of gametes 
• Involved in reproduction

Diverse functions with different types of somatic cells participating in different bodily functions