Final answer:
The likely result of a mutation due to toxic chemical exposure would be an alteration in the sequence of amino acids within the affected skin cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely result of the mutation to the scientist’s skin cells, due to exposure to toxic chemicals, is D. The sequence of amino acids within the affected cells is altered. Mutations are changes to the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in the sequence of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Since the exposure is localized to the skin cells, only those cells would be initially affected, and the mutation would not spread to every cell in the body or be inherited by offspring unless it occurred in germ cells. Environmental mutagens can cause DNA damage, and if not repaired properly, this leads to changes in the structure and function of proteins produced by these cells. Somatic mutations, like the one described, affect only the individual and are not passed on to offspring.