Germline mutation pass to offspring

• A. Somatic mutations only
• B. Both germline and somatic
• C. Germline mutations only
• D. Neither germline nor somatic

Answer: (C)

Germline mutations are in the cells that form gametes (sperm and eggs). Because these are the cells that contribute genetic material to the next generation, any mutation there is carried into the zygote at fertilization and becomes part of every cell in the offspring, and can be passed on again to subsequent generations. Somatic mutations, by contrast, occur in body cells and are not present in gametes, so they are not inherited by offspring. So the trait of being heritable across generations applies to germline mutations, not somatic ones. The other options would imply inheritance from somatic mutations or deny inheritance from germline mutations, which doesn’t fit how genetic transmission works.