Question

Which of the following events can result in an offspring with unique heritable characteristics? More than one answer may be correct.

mutations of genes in an organism's body cells
mutations of genes in an organism's sex cells
replication of existing genes during asexual reproduction
recombination of existing genes during sexual reproduction

Answer 1

mutations of genes in an organism's sex cells

recombination of existing genes during sexual reproduction

Step-by-step explanation:

Unique heritable characteristics can result from mutations of genes in an organism's sex cells or recombination of existing genes during sexual reproduction.

Mutations that occur in an organism's body (somatic) cells only affect that particular organism. These traits are not genetically passed on to the organism's offspring.

An offspring produced through asexual reproduction is genetically identical to its parent. Without mutations, an individual that is produced asexually will exhibit the same traits as its parent.

Answer 2

mutations of genes in an organism's sex cells

recombination of existing genes during sexual reproduction

Step-by-step explanation:

Mutations are the random genetic changes in the genome of organisms. Mutations in sex cells (gametes) are carried to the next generation. Crossing over during gamete formation in sexually reproducing organisms produces new gene combinations. These new gene combinations present in gametes impart unique traits to the offspring.