A gene mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene, such that the sequence differs from what is found in the original sequence. Mutations range in size; they can affect a single nitrogen base in a DNA molecule to a large segment of a chromosome that includes multiple genes. We know that DNA replication occurs before both mitosis and meiosis.
Make an explanation about how a mutation can and cannot be passed to offspring through these processes. Make sure your explanation is less than 5 sentences.
A mutation can be passed to offspring through both mitosis and meiosis. During mitosis, a mutated DNA sequence can be replicated and passed on to the daughter cells, resulting in the mutation being present in all cells of the offspring. During meiosis, if a mutation occurs in the DNA of a germ cell (sperm or egg), it can be transmitted to the offspring. However, it is important to note that not all mutations are passed on to the next generation. Some mutations may occur in somatic cells, which are not involved in reproduction, and therefore cannot be inherited by offspring through either process.
