Mutations in somatic cells are inherited by progeny organisms.

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question restatement: The statement asks whether mutations in somatic cells are inherited by progeny organisms, with answer choices True or False.
Option 1: True. This is not correct because somatic mutations occur in body cells (like skin, liver, or tumor cells) and are not present in the germ cells (sperm or eggs). Since offspring receive genetic material only from germ cells, somatic changes are not passed to future generations. Therefore, asserting that somatic mutations are inherited misrepresents basic heredity.
Option 2: False. This is the accurate statement. Somatic mutations are confined to non-reproductive cells and typically affect the individual only, unless they somehow influence germ cells later in development or lead to heritable germline changes, which is not the norm for standard somatic mutations. The general rule is that only germline mutations—the ones in sperm or egg precursors—are inherited by progeny, while somatic mutations are not.
Further nuance: While somatic mutations can have consequences for the individual’s health (e.g., cancer) and may influence somatic tissue function, they do not contribute to the genetic information transmitted to offspring through reproduction. The inheritance mechanism relies on the germline, not the soma, which is why this statement is labeled as false.
Common misconceptions addressed: Some may think any mutation affecting the organism could be passed on. However, the key distinction is cell lineage—germline versus somatic—and only germline mutations are part of the hereditary material passed to next generations.
In summary, the core idea is that inheritance is congruent with germ cells, not with somatic cells, making the statement in Option 1 incorrect and Option 2 correct by standard genetic principles.

BIOL_2004_81774_202509 Genetics Test 4- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

Mutations in somatic cells are inherited by progeny organisms.

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