Question

Acquired mutations

A) Can be inherited
B) Are not harmful
C) Are caused by the environment
D) Only affect egg or sperm cells

Answer 1

Germline mutations a) can be inherited and have significant effects on offspring, while somatic mutations are not inherited and may have little impact on the organism. Examples of germline mutations include Tay-Sach's disease and sickle-cell anemia, while somatic mutations can result in benign cysts or cancer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Germline mutations occur in gametes and can be passed on to offspring, while somatic mutations occur in other cells of the body and cannot be inherited.

Germline mutations are significant because every cell in the offspring will have the mutation, which can lead to genetic diseases. Somatic mutations, on the other hand, may have little effect on the organism because they are confined to just one cell and its daughter cells.

For example: Germline mutations may result in diseases like Tay-Sach's disease or sickle-cell anemia, while somatic mutations can lead to the formation of benign cysts or malignant tumors.