Question

how do somatic and inherited mutations differ?
a. somatic mutations only affect males and inherited mutations affect any gender.
b. inherited mutations only affect males and somatic mutations affect any gender.
c. somatic mutations exist in all cells in the body and inherited mutations only exist in the cell type that mutated.
d. inherited mutations exist in all cells in the body and somatic mutations only exist in the cell type that mutated.

Explanation:

• Somatic mutations occur in non - reproductive cells (somatic cells) and are not passed on to offspring. They only affect the cells that mutated and the tissues derived from them.
• Inherited mutations are present in the germ cells (sperm and egg cells). When a fertilized egg is formed (zygote), this mutation is present in all cells of the developing organism as all cells are derived from the zygote through cell division.

Answer:

D. Inherited mutations exist in all cells in the body and somatic mutations only exist in the cell type that mutated.