Final answer:
A de novo mutation is a new mutation that occurs spontaneously and is not inherited from parents, while an inherited mutation is one that is passed down from one or both parents. Inherited mutations can cause genetic diseases or predispositions, whereas de novo mutations can also lead to various conditions but are not passed to offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference Between De Novo and Inherited Mutations
The difference between a de novo mutation and an inherited mutation lies in their origin. A de novo mutation is a new mutation that occurs spontaneously in an individual's DNA sequence, often as a result of errors during DNA replication or due to environmental factors like radiation or toxic chemicals. This type of mutation was not present in the parents' DNA and therefore is not inherited. In contrast, an inherited mutation is one that has been passed down from one or both parents through their gametes; these are found in the germline cells and can result in genetic diseases or predispositions to certain conditions if present in one or both alleles of a gene.
Examples of conditions resulting from inherited mutations include Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and sickle-cell anemia, whereas conditions such as certain cancers or Alzheimer's disease may arise from somatic mutations which, unlike germline mutations, cannot be passed on to offspring.
Mutations can manifest as various types, such as point mutations, chromosomal alterations, or frameshift mutations. A mutation's impact on an organism can range from negligible to severe, potentially leading to altered protein function or structure, and affecting the phenotype of the organism. A clear understanding of the nature of the mutation is vital for genetic counseling, especially in the case of dominant lethal patterns like Huntington's disease, where a deleterious gene may not be expressed until after the individual has reproduced.