Final answer:
Mutations in germ cells can be passed on to the next generation, resulting in heritable traits, while mutations in somatic cells cannot be passed on to offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mutations can occur in two types of cells: germ cells and somatic cells. If a mutation occurs in a germ cell, it can be passed on to the next generation and result in a heritable trait.
This is because germ cells are involved in producing gametes, such as sperm and egg cells, which are responsible for passing genetic information to offspring. On the other hand, if a mutation occurs in a somatic cell, it will not be passed on to the next generation as somatic cells are not involved in reproduction.