germ line

the line of cells that gives rise to the reproductive cells—the ova and spermatozoa—and is thereby continued between successive generations of organisms. Germ-line mutations, unlike somatic mutations (i.e., mutations in body cells), are transmitted to offspring and may predispose the offspring to disease or other traits.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

constant error

a systematic error in some particular direction. Constant error is computed as the average positive or negative difference between the observed and actual values along a dimension of interest. For example, if a weight of 1 kg is judged on average to be 1.5 kg, and a weight of 2 kg is judged to be 2.5 kg, the constant error is 500 g. See also absolute error; random error.