Question

Which best describes genetic mutations?
Some inherited genetic mutations can be good for the offspring.
Different genetic mutations cause few forms of cancer.
Somatic mutations can be inherited from parents or acquired during life.
Genetic mutations that cause diseases are always passed on to offspring.

Answer 1

"Some inherited genetic mutations can be good for the offspring." — Best choice.

Why:
- True: inherited mutations can be beneficial (e.g., sickle-cell trait confers malaria resistance in heterozygotes; lactase‑persistence variants allow milk digestion).
- Option 2 is misleading: many different mutations contribute to many forms of cancer, not just a few.
- Option 3 is false: somatic mutations are acquired during life in non‑germ cells and are generally not inherited by offspring (germline mutations can be inherited).
- Option 4 is false: disease‑causing mutations are not always passed on — only germline mutations can be inherited, and inheritance depends on the mutation’s pattern (dominant, recessive, etc.).