Question

DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is a man-made pesticide that was designed to kill insects that carried diseases. However, the pesticide was found to cause mutations to both body cells and sex cells in other organisms. Because of this, DDT is now banned in most countries around the world.

How are mutations to reproductive cells, or gametes, different than mutations to other cells in the body?

Mutations to reproductive cells are usually beneficial to offspring.
Only mutations to reproductive cells can be passed on to offspring.
Mutations to body cells can be passed on to offspring.
Only mutations to body cells are harmful to organisms.

Answer 1

Correct answer: Only mutations to reproductive cells can be passed on to offspring.

Explanation: Mutations in gametes (germline cells) are heritable and can be transmitted to the next generation. Mutations in somatic (body) cells affect only the individual (e.g., can cause cancer) and are generally not inherited. The other choices are incorrect: germline mutations are not usually beneficial (they can be neutral, harmful, or rarely beneficial), somatic mutations normally are not passed to offspring, and harmful effects can occur from mutations in either germline or somatic cells.