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Multiple Choice
Mutations in DNA found in which type of cells are most likely to have significant evolutionary consequences?
A
Somatic cells (body cells)
B
Germ cells (sperm or egg cells)
C
Neurons
D
Red blood cells
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of mutations: Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence. They can occur in any cell type, but their evolutionary significance depends on whether they can be passed to offspring.
Differentiate between somatic cells and germ cells: Somatic cells are body cells that make up tissues and organs, while germ cells are reproductive cells (sperm and egg) responsible for passing genetic information to the next generation.
Explain why mutations in somatic cells do not have evolutionary consequences: Mutations in somatic cells affect only the individual organism and are not inherited by offspring, so they do not contribute to evolutionary changes.
Clarify the role of germ cells in evolution: Mutations in germ cells can be passed to offspring, potentially affecting the genetic makeup of future generations and contributing to evolutionary processes.
Discuss why neurons and red blood cells are not relevant to evolutionary consequences: Neurons are somatic cells, and red blood cells lack a nucleus and DNA, so mutations in these cells cannot influence evolution.