Question

Mutations can be divided into two main types. Spontaneous mutations result from abnormalities in biological processes, while _____ mutations are caused by environmental agents that enter the cell and alter the structure of DNA.

1) Acquired
2) Inherited
3) Somatic
4) Germline

Answer 1

The second type of mutation, resulting from environmental agents that alter DNA, is known as an induced mutation. These are different from spontaneous mutations, which occur naturally due to cellular processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about the two main types of mutations: spontaneous mutations and mutations caused by environmental agents. The mutations caused by environmental agents that enter the cell and alter the structure of DNA are known as induced mutations.

Mutations can also be categorized as germline mutations and somatic mutations. Germline mutations occur in the sex cells and can be passed on to offspring, whereas somatic mutations happen in body cells and are not inherited. The correct answer to the fill-in-the-blank provided by the student is 'induced' as this type of mutation is the result of environmental factors that directly damage the DNA, increasing the likelihood of a mutation.