A mutation occurs in one of the skin cells on your arm and another mutation occurs in one of your gametes. Which mutation is likely to be inherited and why?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The mutation in the gamete (sperm or egg) is more likely to be inherited. This is because the gametes are the cells that are involved in reproduction. When a gamete combines with another gamete during fertilization, it forms a zygote, which then develops into a new organism. Any mutations present in the gametes can be passed on to the offspring as part of the genetic material (DNA).
In contrast, the mutation in a skin cell (somatic cell) will not be inherited. Somatic cells make up the body and are not involved in the formation of offspring. While a mutation in a somatic cell can lead to diseases or conditions in the individual, such as cancer, it does not affect the genetic material passed on to the next generation.
Mutations in gametes are heritable because gametes carry half of the genetic information required to form a new individual. If a mutation occurs in the DNA of a gamete, it can be incorporated into the genome of the resulting offspring. This is why mutations in gametes contribute to genetic variation and evolutionary processes.
The inheritance of mutations from gametes is the basis for the transmission of genetic traits from parents to offspring. Somatic mutations, however, only affect the individual in which they occur and are not passed down. Therefore, when considering which mutation is more likely to be inherited, it is the one in the gamete that will be passed on to future generations.