Which statements about mutations are true? Check all that apply. A. Mutations cannot be passed from generation to generation. B. Mutations are rare. C. Mutations are always harmful. D. Germline mutations occur in body cells. E. Most forms of cancer are caused by somatic mutations.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The true statements are:
- B. Mutations are rare.
- E. Most forms of cancer are caused by somatic mutations.
Explanation:
A. Mutations cannot be passed from generation to generation.
This statement is false. Mutations in the germline (sperm or egg cells) can be passed on to offspring, thus influencing the next generation. In contrast, somatic mutations, which occur in body cells, are not inherited.
B. Mutations are rare.
This statement is true. Although mutations can occur frequently at the molecular level, their actual occurrence in a given gene or sequence is relatively rare. Cells have DNA repair mechanisms that correct most mutations, making them uncommon in the genome. However, they still happen and contribute to genetic diversity or diseases like cancer.
C. Mutations are always harmful.
This statement is false. Not all mutations are harmful. Some mutations can be neutral, having no effect on an organism’s survival or reproduction. Others can be beneficial, offering an advantage in certain environments, such as antibiotic resistance in bacteria or adaptations in organisms.
D. Germline mutations occur in body cells.
This statement is false. Germline mutations occur in germ cells (sperm or egg cells), not body cells (somatic cells). These mutations are passed on to offspring. Body cells, on the other hand, undergo somatic mutations, which are not inherited.
E. Most forms of cancer are caused by somatic mutations.
This statement is true. Cancer often results from somatic mutations in genes that control cell growth and division. These mutations accumulate over time due to environmental factors, such as smoking, UV radiation, or chemical exposure, or through genetic predisposition. These mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation.
