How do mutations in somatic cells differ from mutations in gametes?

• A. Mutations in gametes only affect the individual in which they occur.
• B. Mutations in somatic cells can be inherited by offspring.
• C. Mutations in gametes can be passed on to the next generation.
• D. Mutations in somatic cells affect the entire organism.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between somatic cells and gametes: Somatic cells are all the cells forming the body of an organism, except for the reproductive cells. Gametes are the reproductive cells, such as sperm and eggs, responsible for passing genetic information to offspring.
2. Recognize the impact of mutations in somatic cells: Mutations in somatic cells affect only the individual in which they occur. These mutations can lead to changes in the function or behavior of cells, potentially causing diseases like cancer, but they are not passed on to the next generation.
3. Identify the consequences of mutations in gametes: Mutations in gametes can be inherited by offspring. Since gametes contribute genetic material to the next generation, any mutations present can be passed down, potentially affecting the offspring's traits or health.
4. Clarify the statement about inheritance: The statement 'Mutations in gametes can be passed on to the next generation' is correct because gametes are involved in reproduction and contribute to the genetic makeup of the offspring.
5. Correct the misconception about somatic cell mutations: The statement 'Mutations in somatic cells can be inherited by offspring' is incorrect. Somatic cell mutations do not affect the genetic material passed to offspring, as they do not occur in the reproductive cells.