Question

an organism is exposed to a mutagen that causes a mutation in the kidney cells. which best describes if the offspring of the organism will inherit the mutation, and why?
a. the offspring will inherit the mutation because the abnormal protein that is synthesized will be copied into the sex cells.
b. the offspring will not inherit the mutation because enzymes will fix the mutation before it can be passed on.
c. the offspring will inherit the mutation because the arrangement of the dna is permanently altered.
d. the offspring will not inherit the mutation because the mutation is not in a sex cell.

Explanation:

For an offspring to inherit a mutation, the mutation must be present in the sex - cells (gametes). Mutations in somatic cells (like kidney cells in this case) are not passed on to offspring. The DNA in somatic cells is not used to form the genetic material of the next generation.

Answer:

D. The offspring will not inherit the mutation because the mutation is not in a sex cell.