Question

Which statements correctly describe mutations in gametes and mutations in somatic cells?

Answer 1

Answer:

The statement number 4 and 5 are correct statement related to mutations in gamete and somatic cells.

4. Mutations to gametes can be passed on to an organism's offspring.

5.Mutations to somatic cells are only present in the type of cell in which the mutation occurred.

Explanation:

Mutation are anomalies present in the genome of cells.

There are two types of cells:

• Somatic cells: Replicate by mitosis. Normal body cells like skin cells.
• Gametes: Replicate by meiosis. Gametes are present in gonads like sperm and eggs.

So mutation in gametes is most probably to transfer in off spring because they make embryo of off spring.

While mutations in somatic cells remain only in that cells because they are not responsible for off spring production.

Answer 2

The mutation in the somatic cells is known as somatic mutations. As they do not take place in the cells, which give rise to gametes, thus, the mutation is not inherited to the next generation by the sexual means.  

On the other hand, the genetic mutations take place in the germline cells, that is, egg and sperm, because of this the mutations possesses the tendency to get passed on from one generation to another.  

Thus, mutations are only passed on to offspring when they take place in germ cell DNA. The other kind of cells, the somatic cells refers to the rest of the cells in the body and mutations, which takes place in these cells do not get inherited further to the offspring.  

Hence, the correct statements are mutations to gametes can be passed on to an organism's offspring and mutations to somatic cells are only present in the type of cell in which the mutation occurred.