During DNA replication prior to meiosis, a frameshift mutation occurs. Will this mutation be inherited?
a
Yes, because meiosis makes exact cellular copies.
b
Yes, because the error happened in a somatic cell.
c
Yes, because frameshift mutations are always passed on to offspring.
d
Yes, because the error happened in a gamete.
d
Yes, because the error happened in a gamete.
DNA replication prior to meiosis occurs in germ cells, which give rise to gametes (sperm or egg cells). If a frameshift mutation occurs during this replication process, it will be present in the gametes that go on to fuse with another gamete during fertilization. Since gametes carry genetic information to the offspring, the mutation will be inherited by the next generation assuming the affected gamete is involved in fertilization.