Question

For each mutation described, classify it as a germ-line mutation or a somatic mutation.

Germ-line mutation
Somatic mutation
A mutation occurs before fertilization.
A virus alters the DNA of an infected individual's body cells.
A mutation occurs in a group of skin cells in a developing embryo.
A genetic disorder caused from a mutation is present in 1 of 4 offspring.

Answer 1

- A mutation occurs before fertilization. — Germ-line mutation.
(It affects gametes or the zygote and can be transmitted to offspring.)

- A virus alters the DNA of an infected individual's body cells. — Somatic mutation.
(Only somatic/body cells are affected, not the germ cells, so it is not inherited.)

- A mutation occurs in a group of skin cells in a developing embryo. — Somatic mutation.
(Skin cells are somatic; the change is mosaic/local and not passed to progeny.)

- A genetic disorder caused from a mutation is present in 1 of 4 offspring. — Germ-line mutation.
(The pattern indicates an inherited mutation in the parents' gametes.)