An organism is exposed to a mutagen that causes a mutation in the kidney cells. Which best describes if the offspring of the organism will inherit the mutation, and why? a The offspring will not inherit the mutation because enzymes will fix the mutation before it can be passed on. b The offspring will not inherit the mutation because the mutation is not in a sex cell. c The offspring will inherit the mutation because the abnormal protein that is synthesized will be copied into the sex cells. d The offspring will inherit the mutation because the arrangement of the DNA is permanently altered.

Answer 1

The best answer is b: The offspring will not inherit the mutation because the mutation is not in a sex cell.

Mutations must occur in the germ cells (sperm or egg) for them to be passed on to the next generation. Since the mutation described is in kidney cells, which are somatic (body) cells and not germ cells, the offspring will not inherit this mutation.