The correct response to how somatic cells differ from gametes is: Somatic cell mutations are not passed to the next generation.
Somatic cells are the non-reproductive cells in the body, which means that any mutations that occur in these cells will not be inherited by offspring. In contrast, gametes (sperm and eggs) are the reproductive cells that do contribute to the genetic material of the next generation. Thus, mutations in gametes may be passed on to offspring.
Here’s a brief clarification on the other options:
- Somatic cells contain half the number of chromosomes. This is incorrect; somatic cells have the full set of chromosomes (diploid), while gametes have half (haploid).
- Somatic cells are sex cells. This is incorrect; sex cells are gametes.
- Somatic cells do not go through cell division. This is incorrect; somatic cells do go through cell division (mitosis).
So the first option you provided is the correct distinction between somatic cells and gametes.
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