0
Why are mutations in germ cells passed to offspring but mutations in somatic cells are not?
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoWant this question answered?
Be notified when an answer is posted
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Would a skin cell mutation on your hand affect your offspring?
No. Skin cells are somatic cells. Your offspring come from gametes which are made by germ line cells. Only mutations in germ line cells or your gametes are passed on to your offspring.
Is it true that only mutations in gametes can be passed from parent to offspring?
Gametic mutations occur in the cells of the gonads (which produce sperm and eggs) and may be inherited. There are two types of mutations that can occur in gamete cells: 1. Gene Mutations 2. Chromosomal Mutations
Can somatic mutations occur in sex chromosomes?
No, they occur in the organism's body cells and cannot be inherited by the offspring .
Why wouldn't a mutation in a non-reproductive cell be passed on to offspring?
If this mutation isn't present with a gamete cell, then it can not be passed onto the offspring. A non-reproductive cell would be cells that are highly organzied such as nerve cells or brain cells.
What mutations that occur in body cells not involved in reproduction will not be passed on to the person offspring?
Cancer
What is the difference between somatic and gametic cells?
a germline mutation is one the was passed on to offspring because the egg or sperm cell was mutated. a somatic mutation is a mutation of the somatic cells (all cells except sex cells) that cannot be passed on to offspring.
True False All mutations can be passed on from a parent to an offspring?
Only mutations which occur in the gametes. Mutations in somatic cells ( body) are not passed on to offspring. Example: A mutation in skin cells leads to skin cancer, but this cannot be passed on to offspring.
Mutations that occur in germ-line cells are?
Somatic mutations occur in somatic body cells. These mutations are passed on to daughter cells during mitosis and to the offspring of those cells in turn, but are not passed on to sexually produced offspring.
Would a skin cell mutation on your hand affect your offspring?
No. Skin cells are somatic cells. Your offspring come from gametes which are made by germ line cells. Only mutations in germ line cells or your gametes are passed on to your offspring.
How are mutations are inherited?
If a mutation occurs in a sex cell, then it may be inherited. Any mutation to the somatic cells will not be passed on. Any mutations that either of the parent organisms have will be inherited by their offspring.
Can mutations that occur in somatic cells be passed on to an organisms offspring?
If the mutation happens in the germ cells, only then it wil be passed on to the offsprings. But, if it happens in some other cell, then it won't be. Such a mutation is Superficial. Like, if we cut the tail of a mouse, no change occurs in the germ cells. So the next generation will still be born with a tail.
Is it true that only mutations in gametes can be passed from parent to offspring?
Gametic mutations occur in the cells of the gonads (which produce sperm and eggs) and may be inherited. There are two types of mutations that can occur in gamete cells: 1. Gene Mutations 2. Chromosomal Mutations
Why are most mutations not passed to offspring?
They are only passed on if they are in the reproductive system cells.
Why are most mutations not passed on to offspring?
They are only passed on if they are in the reproductive system cells.
Difference between body cell mutation and sex cell mutation?
A mutation in a sex cell may be passed on to an offspring. A mutation in a somatic (body) cell cannot be passed on to an offspring, but can potentially cause cancer in the person who has the mutation.
Why are somatic mutations generally less important than germ mutations?
Because the somatic mutation only produces the color of the iris of the eye. The germ mutation is in charge of the cell which will produce a gamete. It may be passed onto the offspring. So the somatic mutation isn't as important as the germ mutation.
How does a mutation in a sex cell differ from a mutation in a non-sex cell?
Mutations in sex cells can be passed on to children. Mutations in sex cells only affect offspring. Mutations in sex cells do not affect the organism.
