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? select all that apply.

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

Answer 1

Correct choice(s):
- Only mutations to reproductive cells can be passed on to offspring.

Explanation:
- Mutations in reproductive (germ) cells are heritable and can be transmitted to the next generation.
- Mutations in body (somatic) cells affect only the individual and are not passed to offspring.
- Mutations in germ cells are not usually beneficial (they can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful).
- Mutations in either germ or somatic cells can be harmful; it is not true that only somatic mutations are harmful.