Question

Which of the following mutations would have the potential to affect future generations of a species?
A
A frame shift mutation in the X chromosome of a cheek cell
B
A chromosomal mutation in the Y chromosome of a kidney cell
C
A point mutation in the first chromosome of a sperm cell
D
A substitution mutation in the third chromosome of a uterus cell

Answer 1

C

Only mutations in germ cells (sperm or egg) can be passed to offspring. The sperm cell is a gamete, so a point mutation there could be inherited. The other listed cells are somatic (cheek, kidney, uterus) and their mutations won't be transmitted to future generations.