Question

5
how do somatic and inherited mutations differ?
a. somatic mutations only affect males and inherited mutations affect any gender.
b. inherited mutations exist in all cells in the body and somatic mutations only exist in the cell type that mutated.
c. somatic mutations exist in all cells in the body and inherited mutations only exist in the cell type that mutated.
d. inherited mutations only affect males and somatic mutations affect any gender.
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Explanation:

Inherited mutations are present in the gametes (egg or sperm) and are passed to offspring, so they exist in every cell of the body. Somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive body cells, so they are only present in the specific cell line where the mutation originated and do not get passed to offspring. Options A and D are incorrect because neither mutation type is limited to affecting only males. Option C reverses the correct distribution of the two mutation types.

Answer:

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