AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A mutation can only be passed on to offspring if it occurs in the sex cell of the parent, which is what then forms the offspring. This renders all the other answers incorrect, because they do not happen in the gametes of ovaries or testes (the sex organs of females and males, respectively).

Detailed explanation-2: -If an acquired mutation occurs in an egg or sperm cell, it can be passed down to the individual’s offspring. Once an acquired mutation is passed down, it is a hereditary mutation. Acquired mutations are not passed down if they occur in the somatic cells, meaning body cells other than sperm cells and egg cells.

Detailed explanation-3: -If a mutation occurs in a germ-line cell (one that will give rise to gametes, i.e., egg or sperm cells), then this mutation can be passed to an organism’s offspring. This means that every cell in the developing embryo will carry the mutation.

Detailed explanation-4: -Do Parents Pass Gene Mutations to Children? 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.

Detailed explanation-5: -Germ-line mutations occur in gametes or in cells that eventually produce gametes. In contrast with somatic mutations, germ-line mutations are passed on to an organism’s progeny.