THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF INHERITANCE
GENE MUTATION
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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No, the trait is in a somatic cell
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Yes, the trait is in a somatic cell
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No, the trait must be in a sex cell
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Yes, the trait is in a sex cell
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Detailed explanation-1: -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-2: -A somatic mutation describes any alteration at the cellular level in somatic tissues occurring after fertilization. These mutations do not involve the germline and consequently do not pass on to offspring.
Detailed explanation-3: -For the first time, researchers have shown that mutated cells in the skin grow to form clones that compete against each other. Many mutant clones are lost from the tissue in this competition, which resembles the selection of species that occurs in evolution.
Detailed explanation-4: -Mutations in somatic cells are called somatic mutations. Because they do not occur in cells that give rise to gametes, the mutation is not passed along to the next generation by sexual means. To maintain this mutation, the individual containing the mutation must be cloned.