An alteration in DNA that occurs after conception. Somatic mutations can occur in any of the cells of the body except the germ cells (sperm and egg) and therefore are not passed on to children. These alterations can (but do not always) cause cancer or other diseases.
Which best describes somatic mutations? They are usually passed on to offspring. ... They always result from point mutations. They only occur in reproductive cells.
Explanation:
A somatic mutation occurs after conception, after life starts. ... All cells in the body have the mutation. That includes sex cells, so the mutation's transmitted to the next generation. Examples of somatic mutations, include changes in a body cell that causes it to turn cancerous (spontaneous cancer).
