DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is a man-made pesticide that was designed to kill insects that carried diseases. However, the pesticide was found to cause mutations to both body cells and sex cells in other organisms. Because of this, DDT is now banned in most countries around the world.

Question

DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is a man-made pesticide that was designed to kill insects that carried diseases. However, the pesticide was found to cause mutations to both body cells and sex cells in other organisms. Because of this, DDT is now banned in most countries around the world.

How are mutations to reproductive cells, or gametes, different than mutations to other cells in the body?

Only mutations to body cells are harmful to organisms.
Mutations to body cells can be passed on to offspring.
Only mutations to reproductive cells can be passed on to offspring.
Mutations to reproductive cells are usually beneficial to offspring.

Answer 1

Mutations to reproductive cells, or gametes, are different than mutations to other cells in the body because only mutations to reproductive cells can be passed on to offspring. This is because mutations in gametes can be inherited by the next generation, potentially causing genetic disorders or abnormalities. On the other hand, mutations to body cells typically only affect the individual organism and are not directly passed on to offspring.