Mutations, Inheritance and Evolution
Mutations can be inherited or acquired later in life. Mutations that an individual inherits from their parents are called hereditary mutations. They are present in all body cells and can be passed down to new generations. Acquired mutations occur during an individual’s life.
If a mutation occurs in an egg or sperm cell, it can be passed down to the individual’s offspring. Once a mutation is passed down, it is a hereditary mutation. Acquired mutations are not passed down if they occur in the somatic cells, which are body cells other than sperm cells and egg cells. Some acquired mutations occur spontaneously and randomly in genes. Other mutations are caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.