The poster illustrates the difference between germline and somatic cell mutations and why mutations that occur earlier in development are more likely to affect a greater portion of the body than those that occur later.

Genetic mutations are changes in a DNA sequence that can occur at any time in an individual’s life and in many different cell types. Mutations can lead to diseases such as autism, cystic fibrosis, or cancer. This poster illustrates that during development, two cell lineages (germline and somatic) are generated. Mutations occurring in the germline can be passed onto the next generation, while mutations occurring in the somatic cells will not. Mutations that occur earlier in development are more likely to affect a greater portion of the body than those that occur later

(This poster is designed to be printed at a maximum size of 29.5" x 21.75".)

Awards

• 2014 BioCommunications Association Award of Merit; Graphic Media Poster Division

• 2014 Association of Medical Illustrators Award of Merit, Instructional Still Media category

• 2013 NSF Science and Engineering Visualization Awards; Finalist