Question

part 4: the following mutation is found in the somatic cell of an orangutan
original dna: atg-cgg-tta
mutated: atg-cgg-ttt
what will be the result of this mutation? select all that apply

the mutation is only phenotypic

the mutation is only genotypic

this mutation will not be passed on to the offspring

this mutation will be genotypic and phenotypic

this mutation will be passed on to the offspring

Explanation:

1. Somatic Cell Mutation and Inheritance: Somatic mutations occur in non - reproductive (somatic) cells. Offspring inherit genetic material from germ cells (sperm and egg), so mutations in somatic cells are not passed on to offspring.
2. Genotypic and Phenotypic Mutation: A change in DNA sequence (from TTA to TTT in the given DNA) is a genotypic change. Depending on the effect of this DNA change on the protein (if it's a coding region) or the cell's function, it can also lead to a phenotypic change. So the mutation is both genotypic and phenotypic. And since it's in a somatic cell, it won't be passed to offspring.

Answer:

• The mutation is only genotypic: Incorrect. A DNA sequence change can lead to phenotypic changes.
• The mutation is only phenotypic: Incorrect. The change in DNA is a genotypic change first.
• This mutation will not be passed on to the offspring: Correct (because it's a somatic cell mutation).
• This mutation will be genotypic and phenotypic: Correct (DNA change is genotypic, and it can affect the phenotype).
• This mutation will be passed on to the offspring: Incorrect (somatic cell mutations are not inherited).

So the correct options are: "This mutation will not be passed on to the offspring", "This mutation will be genotypic and phenotypic"