mutations in which type of cells are passed to an organism's offspring?

Mutations that are passed to an organism’s offspring occur in germ cells (also called sex cells or gametes: eggs and sperm), not in regular body cells.

Quick Scoop

• Only mutations in germ cells can be inherited because these cells form the egg and sperm that fuse to make a new individual.

• Mutations in body (somatic) cells can affect the individual (for example, causing cancer) but are not normally passed on to children.

Key Terms

• Germ cells : Reproductive cells that become eggs and sperm; changes in their DNA can be transmitted to offspring at fertilization.

• Somatic cells : All other body cells (skin, liver, muscle, etc.); their mutations stay with that individual and usually end there.

One-Sentence Answer (Study-Ready)

Mutations in germ cells (sex cells / gametes) are the ones that get passed on to an organism’s offspring.

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