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A somatic mutation in a gene can alter the function of a cell by changing the instructions encoded in the gene, leading to abnormal protein production or function. This can disrupt normal cellular processes and potentially contribute to diseases like cancer.

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Who does somatic mutation affect?

A somatic mutation is one that occurs in any body cell with the exception of the gametes (sperm and eggs). A somatic mutation cannot be passed on to offspring, so it affects only the person with the mutation.


What difference does it make if a mutation occurs in a somatic cell or in a gamete?

If the mutation occurs in a somatic cell and the cell is still able to reproduce, the mutation continues in the daughter cells in following generations. If a mutation occurs in a gamete, the original organism remains unchanged. If that gamete is used for reproduction, then the mutation will continue in the offspring.


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.


Explain why a mutation in a sperm or egg cell has different consequences that one in a heart cell?

A mutation in a sperm or egg cell means that the mutation while most likely be passed down to the offspring of that organism. If the mutation is in anything but a gamete, it will not be passed down.


How can a mutation in the DNA of a cell alter its behavior in ways that distinguish it from normal cells?

A mutation in a cell's DNA can change the way the cell functions, leading to behaviors that are different from normal cells. This can result in abnormal growth, function, or communication with other cells, which can cause the cell to behave in ways that are distinct from healthy cells.

Related Questions

If mutation occurs in somatic cells could the change be passed on by the mutant to its offspring?

Not with natural reproduction. If you cloned the parent that had the somatic mutation, you could pass it on to the offspring if you used the nucleus from the cell that had the somatic mutation.


How does a mutation in a cell affect an organism?

A mutation in a sex cell means that the mutation can be passed on to the individuals offspring. If the mutation just occurred in a somatic cell, it would not be passed down.


Who does somatic mutation affect?

A somatic mutation is one that occurs in any body cell with the exception of the gametes (sperm and eggs). A somatic mutation cannot be passed on to offspring, so it affects only the person with the mutation.


How does a mutation in a sex cell differ from a mutation in anon sex cell?

A mutation in a sex cell (gamete) can be passed on to the next generation, potentially affecting the offspring's traits and contributing to evolution. In contrast, a mutation in a non-sex cell (somatic cell) affects only the individual organism and cannot be inherited by future generations. This distinction highlights the role of sex cell mutations in genetic diversity, while somatic mutations primarily affect the health and function of the individual.


What difference does it make if a mutation occurs in a somatic cell or in a gamete?

If the mutation occurs in a somatic cell and the cell is still able to reproduce, the mutation continues in the daughter cells in following generations. If a mutation occurs in a gamete, the original organism remains unchanged. If that gamete is used for reproduction, then the mutation will continue in the offspring.


How does mutation in a sex cell differ from mutation in a non-sex cell?

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.


How does a mutation in sex cell differ from mutation in a non sex cell?

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.


How does a mutation in a sex cell differ in a mutation in a non-sex cell?

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.


How does a mutation in a sex cell differ from a mutation in a non- sex cell?

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.


How are Mutations Classified?

A mutation can be classified by the somatic cell or the gamete cells.


How does a mutation in a sex cells differ from a mutation in a non sex cell?

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.


How does a mutation in a sex cells differ in a mutation in a non sex cell?

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.