Which of the following events can result in an offspring with unique heritable characteristics?
recombination of existing genes during sexual reproduction
mutations of genes in an organism's body cells
replication of existing genes during asexual reproduction
mutations of genes in an organism's sex cells
All of the following events can result in an offspring with unique heritable characteristics:
- Recombination of existing genes during sexual reproduction: During sexual reproduction, genetic material from two parents combines to form a unique combination of genes in the offspring. This recombination increases genetic diversity and can result in unique heritable characteristics.
- Mutations of genes in an organism's body cells: Mutations in an organism's body cells can lead to genetic variations that may be passed on to offspring. If these mutations occur in germ cells, they have the potential to be inherited by future generations, resulting in unique heritable characteristics.
- Replication of existing genes during asexual reproduction: Asexual reproduction involves the replication of existing genes without the introduction of new genetic material from another parent. While offspring produced through asexual reproduction inherit the exact genetic information from the parent, mutations can still occur during the replication process, resulting in unique heritable characteristics.
- Mutations of genes in an organism's sex cells: Mutations occurring in an organism's sex cells (sperm and egg cells) can result in unique heritable characteristics in the offspring. These mutations are particularly important because they can be passed on to future generations, contributing to genetic diversity.