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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.

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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.


For a mutation to affect evolution it must occur in?

For a mutation to affect evolution, it must occur in the DNA of reproductive cells (sperm or egg cells) so that it can be passed on to offspring. Mutations that occur in somatic cells (non-reproductive cells) do not directly impact evolution as they are not inherited by future generations.


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.


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.


What can predict whether a mutation in a human skin cell can be passed to its offspring?

A mutation in a human skin cannot be passed on to an offspring, since it is only a somatic mutation which is acquired. The mutation that can be passed on to an offspring is called a germline mutation, which happens in the egg and sperm.

Related Questions

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.


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.


What Mutation does not affect the offsping?

Somatic mutations are not passed on to offspring because they occur in non-reproductive cells. These mutations only affect the individual in which they occur, and are not transmitted to future generations.


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 mutations can affect organisms?

It depends on if it is in the germ line or in a somatic Cell. In the germ line a mutation can cause birth defects or lethal mutations. In somatic Cells it can cause cancer. The Genetic Mutation will have either of these effects: either beneficial or detrimental.


For a mutation to affect evolution it must occur in?

For a mutation to affect evolution, it must occur in the DNA of reproductive cells (sperm or egg cells) so that it can be passed on to offspring. Mutations that occur in somatic cells (non-reproductive cells) do not directly impact evolution as they are not inherited by future generations.


Are mutations in somatic cells heritable?

Nothing in somatic cells is inheritable unless it shows up in the gametes as well. As such, if a somatic cell experiences a mutation, it can only affect that cell and any cell it creates.


Is A somatic mutation is always transmitted to the offspring?

no


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.


Is the difference between germ line and somatic mutations?

A mutation occurring in a germ cell is heritable 50% of the time. Somatic cell mutations only affect the individual cell and its progeny produced by mitosis. Somatic cell mutations cannot be passed on to the organism's offspring.


Which type of mutation is responsible for new variations of a trait?

matation in somatic


How are Mutations Classified?

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