What is a feature of acquired mutations?

What is a feature of acquired mutations?

• A. They occur randomly in evolution
• B. They can result from environmental factors
• C. They are inherited from parents
• D. They only affect reproductive cells

Answer: (B)

Acquired mutations, also known as somatic mutations, are changes to the DNA that occur after conception and can result from various environmental factors. These mutations may arise due to exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, or even viral infections. Unlike inherited mutations, which are passed from parents to offspring through germline cells, acquired mutations are typically present only in specific cells of an individual and are not passed on to the next generation. This feature highlights that acquired mutations can have important implications for an individual's health and development, as they can contribute to various conditions, including cancer. While evolutionary processes involve random mutations as a broader concept, acquired mutations specifically refer to those alterations that arise during an individual's lifetime due to external factors, which is why this option accurately reflects a key characteristic of acquired mutations.

Acquired mutations, also known as somatic mutations, are changes to the DNA that occur after conception and can result from various environmental factors. These mutations may arise due to exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, or even viral infections. Unlike inherited mutations, which are passed from parents to offspring through germline cells, acquired mutations are typically present only in specific cells of an individual and are not passed on to the next generation.

This feature highlights that acquired mutations can have important implications for an individual's health and development, as they can contribute to various conditions, including cancer. While evolutionary processes involve random mutations as a broader concept, acquired mutations specifically refer to those alterations that arise during an individual's lifetime due to external factors, which is why this option accurately reflects a key characteristic of acquired mutations.