Question

which of the following is a reason that a somatic (body) cell mutation might be found in cells close to the original source of the mutation? 1 of 4 questions the original mutant cell or cells underwent cell division and produced new cells carrying the mutation. the mutation leaked away from the original source into surrounding cells. a somatic mutation would stay close to the germ cells. the somatic mutation left the nucleus and infected neighboring cells.

Explanation:

Somatic mutations are present in body cells, not germ cells. Mutations do not "leak" or infect neighboring cells directly. Instead, when a mutant somatic cell divides via mitosis, all its daughter cells inherit the mutation, leading to a cluster of mutated cells near the original source.

Answer:

The original mutant cell or cells underwent cell division and produced new cells carrying the mutation.