The primary feature that distinguishes somatic cells from germline cells in terms of their genome is that germline cells contain genetic information that can be passed on to offspring, while somatic cells do not.

• Germline cells are the reproductive cells (e.g., sperm and eggs) that undergo meiosis and contribute genetic material to the next generation, thus transmitting their genome to offspring

• Somatic cells make up the body tissues and organs and divide by mitosis, but mutations or changes in their genome are not inherited by descendants; they affect only the individual organism and its cellular progeny

• Consequently, germline cells maintain genome integrity to ensure faithful transmission across generations, whereas somatic cells accumulate mutations that are not heritable

In summary, the key genomic distinction is that germline cells' genomes are heritable and form the genetic link between generations, whereas somatic cells' genomes are not transmitted to offspring