AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Germ-line mutations occur in reproductive cells (sperm or eggs) and are passed to an organism’s offspring during sexual reproduction. Somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells; they are passed to daughter cells during mitosis but not to offspring during sexual reproduction.

Detailed explanation-2: -Germline mutations occur in gametes, the sex cells, such as eggs and sperm. These mutations are especially significant because they can be transmitted to offspring and every cell in the offspring will have the mutations. Somatic mutations occur in other cells of the body.

Detailed explanation-3: -If a parent carries a gene mutation in their egg or sperm, it can pass to their child. These hereditary (or inherited) mutations are in almost every cell of the person’s body throughout their life. Hereditary mutations include cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and sickle cell disease.

Detailed explanation-4: -Mutations can occur in any cell, but only germline mutations-those present in egg and sperm cells-can be transmitted to offspring. For instance, hereditary diseases are a subtype of genetic disorder that are caused by deleterious germline mutations.