Question

Which of the following statements is correct regarding mutations?

• 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 organisms.
• C. Mutations only occur in body cells and not in the gametes.
• D. Most mutations are fatal and not passed to offspring.
• E. Most mutations only occur in body cells and are usually repaired before the cells divide.

Answer 1

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

Mutations are the random changes in genetic material of organisms leading to genetic diversity. Mutations can occur in both somatic and germ cells; however, those occurring in germs cells are passed to the offspring while those in somatic cells remain confine to the individual only. Not all the mutations are fatal; and those imparting survival and reproductive advantage to individuals are favored by natural selection. Most of the mutations are recessive and are accumulated in gene pool. As mutations are random, it is least possible for two individuals to have same mutation.