Question

How does the somatic cell mutated and the timing of mutations determine the effect of the mutation?

a) Timing affects the severity; Mutations in gametes are more severe
b) Timing affects the type; Mutations in somatic cells are always harmful
c) Timing affects location; Mutations in early development cause no harm
d) Timing affects stability; Mutations in late development are less severe

Answer 1

The timing of when a mutation occurs in somatic cells can greatly influence its impact. Germline mutations affect offspring and can have more widespread consequences, whereas somatic mutations might lead to cancer and are not inheritable. Early developmental mutations can be more significant compared to those occurring later.

Step-by-step explanation:

Germline mutations occur in gametes (sex cells), and these mutations are significant as they can be transmitted to offspring, affecting every cell of the offspring. Somatic mutations, however, occur in other body cells and are not passed on to offspring. They can lead to problems like cancer if many somatic mutations accumulate in a cell, causing uncontrolled cell division. The timing of when a mutation occurs plays a crucial role in its potential impact. Mutations that occur in early development can affect more cells and thus have a more significant effect, potentially causing systemic developmental issues or contributing to diseases like cancer. Conversely, mutations occurring later in life may affect fewer cells and thus may have a more localized or less severe impact.