Germ cells are set aside during animal development and give rise to the gonads during embryogensis. Discuss the implications of this with regards to inheritance of the genetic mutations inherited from a parent vs. mutations acquired during the lifespan of the organism. Solution Inheritance of the genetic mutations inherited from a parent: Genetic mutations inherited from a parent are also called germline mutations because they are present in the parent’s germ cells i.e. their egg or sperm cells. These cells give rise to the gonads during embryogenesis. When embryogenesis takes place the resulting fertilized egg cell receives DNA from both parents. The mutated germ cells thus result in formation of mutated DNA making it an inherited mutation. Mutations acquired during the lifespan of the organism: When mutation takes place during lifespan and in some cells of the body, it results in acquired mutation. These can be caused by environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation from the sun, or can occur if a mistake in DNA copieng during cell division. Acquired mutations takes place in somatic cells which are other than the germ cells. Such mutations which are not inherited do not take place in germ cells..

1. Germ cells are set aside during animal development and give rise to the gonads during
embryogensis. Discuss the implications of this with regards to inheritance of the genetic
mutations inherited from a parent vs. mutations acquired during the lifespan of the organism.
Solution
Inheritance of the genetic mutations inherited from a parent:
Genetic mutations inherited from a parent are also called germline mutations because they are
present in the parent’s germ cells i.e. their egg or sperm cells. These cells give rise to the gonads
during embryogenesis. When embryogenesis takes place the resulting fertilized egg cell receives
DNA from both parents. The mutated germ cells thus result in formation of mutated DNA
making it an inherited mutation.
Mutations acquired during the lifespan of the organism:
When mutation takes place during lifespan and in some cells of the body, it results in acquired
mutation. These can be caused by environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation from the
sun, or can occur if a mistake in DNA copieng during cell division. Acquired mutations takes
place in somatic cells which are other than the germ cells. Such mutations which are not
inherited do not take place in germ cells.