Do mutations in body cells contribute to genetic variation?(1 point) Responses Yes, these body cell mutations lead to mutations in the gametes. Yes, these body cell mutations lead to mutations in the gametes. 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 mutations cannot be passed to offspring and only affect the individual. No, the mutations cannot be passed to offspring and only affect the individual. 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.

Answer 1

The correct response is: No, the mutations cannot be passed to offspring and only affect the individual.

Mutations that occur in body (somatic) cells do not result in changes to the gametes (sperm and egg cells) and thus cannot be inherited by offspring. Only mutations that occur in the germline cells (gametes) can contribute to genetic variation in the population.