Here's why:
* Germ cells are the cells responsible for reproduction (sperm and egg cells). They carry the genetic information that is passed on to offspring.
* Somatic cells are all the other cells in the body, like muscle, skin, and bone cells. Mutations in somatic cells affect only the individual carrying the mutation and are not passed on to their offspring.
Examples:
* A mutation in a skin cell due to sun exposure will only affect that skin cell and its descendants, not future generations.
* A mutation in a sperm cell can be passed on to a child, who will then carry the mutation in all their cells.
Exceptions:
* Mitochondrial DNA is a small amount of DNA found within the mitochondria of cells. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can be inherited from both mothers and fathers, depending on the specific mutation.
In summary:
Changes in the genetic code that affect germ cells will be passed on to future generations, while changes in somatic cells will not.
