Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms

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Shawn Burgess, Ph.D. defines Somatic Cells

Somatic Cells

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A somatic cell is any cell of the body except sperm and egg cells. Somatic cells are diploid, meaning that they contain two sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. Mutations in somatic cells can affect the individual, but they are not passed on to offspring.

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