Explain why a somatic mutation (e.g., in a skin cell caused by UV sunlight) cannot be inherited by future offspring, whereas a gametic mutation can.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Somatic mutations occur in body cells; only germ-line mutations in gametes pass to offspring
- Step 1: Step 1: Multicellular organisms segregate germ-line cells (which form gametes) from somatic cells (body tissues). Step 2. Step 2: Somatic mutations affect only the individual during their lifetime (e.g., skin cancer). Only mutations occurring in germ-line cells are packaged into sperm or egg cells and inherited by offspring. Answer: Somatic mutations occur in body cells; only germ-line mutations in gametes pass to offspring. Why not the others: Skin cells divide by mitosis and are never involved in sexual reproduction.
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