INFOGRAPHIC 10.3 MUTATIONS CAN BE HEREDITARY OR NONHEREDITARY
Mutations that occur in sperm or egg cells are germ-line mutations that can be passed on to offspring. These inherited mutations are then found in every cell of the offspring, including egg or sperm cells, and can be passed on to subsequent generations. Somatic mutations are those that occur in any cell in the body other than the sperm or egg. These mutations are not inherited but may cause disease in the individual that acquires them.
Mutations that occur in sperm or egg cells are germ-line mutations that can be passed on to offspring. These inherited mutations are then found in every cell of the offspring, including egg or sperm cells, and can be passed on to subsequent generations. Somatic mutations are those that occur in any cell in the body other than the sperm or egg. These mutations are not inherited but may cause disease in the individual that acquires them.
