Question

18. Which types of mutations, positive, negative or neutral, are most likely to be seen in offspring

several generations after the mutation occurred? Explain your reasoning.

19. Consider the following scenarios. State whether the mutation is likely to be passed on to the
offspring of the organism. Explain your reasoning.

a. A single bacteria cell contains a positive mutation in its DNA.

b. A skin cell on a cat contains a positive mutation in its DNA.

C. A sperm cell in a whale contains a positive mutation in its DNA.

Answer 1

The following scenarios state whether the mutation is likely to be passed on to the offspring of the organism or not:

• a. A single bacteria cell contains a positive mutation in its DNA - The mutation is likely to pass as it is a unicellular organism with the cell itself containing the positive mutation.

• b. A skin cell on a cat contains a positive mutation in its DNA - The mutation is not likely to pass as it is the skin cell.

• C. A sperm cell in a whale contains a positive mutation in its DNA - The mutation is likely to pass as it is in the sperm.