Question

Which of the following is not heritable?

• A. Point mutation
• B. Chromosomal mutation
• C. Somatic mutation
• D. Gene mutation

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

• Point mutation is a genetic mutation where a single nucleotide base is changed, inserted or deleted from a sequence of DNA or RNA. Each triplet codon corresponds to an amino acid when translated to protein. When one of these codons is changed by a point mutation, the corresponding amino acid of the protein is changed.
  
• Chromosomal mutation is presence or absence of one or more set of chromosomes in a cell or a structural abnormality in the normal set of chromosomes.
  
• Somatic mutation is the occurrence of a mutation in the somatic cells (cells other than sperm and egg) of the organism. These are frequently caused by environmental factors like exposure to UV rays or to certain chemicals.
  
• Gene mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. They are of two types: Hereditary mutations (inherited from parents) and Acquired mutation (occur at some time during a person's life).
  

So, the correct answer is 'Somatic mutation'