Do mutations in body cells contribute to genetic variation?(1 point)

Question

Responses

No, the mutations cannot be passed to offspring and only affect the individual.
No, the mutations cannot be passed to offspring and only affect the individual.

Yes, the mutations can be passed on to offspring and contribute to variation in the population.
Yes, the mutations can be passed on to offspring and contribute to variation in the population.

No, the causes of body cell mutations are outside the body and cannot alter DNA.
No, the causes of body cell mutations are outside the body and cannot alter DNA.

Yes, these body cell mutations lead to mutations in the gametes.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

No, the mutations cannot be passed to offspring and only affect the individual.

Mutations in body cells (also known as somatic mutations) do not contribute to genetic variation in the population because they cannot be transmitted to offspring. Only mutations that occur in germ cells (sperm and egg) can be passed on to the next generation and contribute to genetic variation.