Question

How do somatic and inherited mutations differ?

Answer 1

The right option is; C. Inherited mutations exist in all cells in the body and somatic mutations only exist in the cell type that mutated.

Inherited mutations are gene mutations that exist in almost every cell in the body throughout an individual’s life. Inherited mutations are inherited from a parent and can also be transmitted. They are also called germline mutations because they exist in the parent’s egg or sperm cells (gametes).

Somatic mutations are gene mutations that exist in only certain cell types that are mutated, not in every cell in the body and it take place at some time during an individual’s life. Somatic mutations are not inherited and cannot be passed. They are caused due to environmental factors (such as cigarette smoke or ultraviolet (UV) radiation) or due to error during DNA replication.