Question

question 3 of 25
exposure to a mutagen causes a person to develop a tumor as an adult. the
persons children do not develop tumors.
which sentence must be true?
a. the tumor was caused by a mutation in a somatic cell and will be
inherited by future generations.
b. the tumor was caused by a mutation in a gamete and cannot be
inherited by future generations.
c. the tumor was caused by a mutation in a gamete and can be
inherited by future generations.
d. the tumor was caused by a mutation in a somatic cell and cannot
be inherited by future generations.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand somatic and gamete cells

Somatic cells are body cells (not reproductive). Gametes are reproductive cells (sperm/egg).

Step2: Analyze inheritance

Mutations in somatic cells don't pass to offspring. Mutations in gametes can. Since children don't have tumors, mutation wasn't in gamete.

Answer:

D. The tumor was caused by a mutation in a somatic cell and cannot be inherited by future generations.