Question

Most of the mutations being common in occurrence still remain unexpressed in offsprings because

• A. Many mutations are recessive, and it is unlikely that both parents will have the same recessive mutation.
• B. Mutations are not passed to offspring because they are lethal to the organism.
• C. Mutations only occur in body cells and not in the gametes.
• D. Most mutations are fatal and not passed to off spring.
• E. Most mutations only occur in body cells and are usually repaired before the cells divide.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Many mutations are recessive, and it is unlikely that both parents will have the same recessive mutation.

Mutations are random changes in genetic material that can occur in both somatic and gametic cells. Most of the mutation are recessive and therefore remain unexpressed as there are least chances of both parents to have the same type of mutation. Recessive mutations are expressed only in homozygous recessive genotypes. Thus, the correct answer is option A.