Question

Do new mutations arise In somatic cells or germ cells?

Answer 1

Mutations: Any change in the DNA sequence of a cell.

1. Chromosomes and genes could mutate either in somatic or germinal tissues, the modifications are referred to as somatic mutations and germinal mutations respectively.
2. While the somatic mutations are not passed to the progeny, the germinal mutations could be transmitted to some or all of the progeny.
3. In an individual, new mutations can arise either in germ cell.
4. If somatic mutation takes place in a single cell in the somatic tissue that is developing, the cell is the progenitor of the population of the identical mutant cells.

Hence, yes new mutations arise in somatic cells or germ cells.