Which statement about somatic mutations is true?

Question

They exist in all the cells of the body.
They are acquired through exposure to mutagens.
They are inherited via sperm and egg cells.
They are passed on to offspring.

Answer 1

Somatic mutations are acquired through exposure to mutagens in somatic cells of the body.

 

They will not be inherited unless a similar damage has happened in eggs or sperms due to the same exposure to mutagen, In that case, progeny might show the mutation.

 

 

Since somatic mutations arise due to mutagen exposure, their existence in various body organs and tissues will be related to mutagen exposure of that particular tissue. For instance, UV light could be a potent mutagen for skin but not so much for liver. 

 

These points will help you understanding mechanism of induction of somatic mutations as well as their inheritance in the progeny or in cell-types of adjacent tissues where the mutation has been induced in first place,

 

Hope this is clear, please post/ask again if you need additional explanation.