Some mutations that cause cancer can occur in both somatic cells and germ cells. In 1-2 complete sentences explain how it is possible for there to be a mutation that leads to cancer in the somatic cells and not the germ cells of an individual.
Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells.
There are two types of cells in our bodies. Somatic cells and germ cells. Somatic cells are diploid and are not transferred from one generation to another.
Germ cells are haploid and are contain genetic material that is transferred from one generation to another.
So, if there is a mutation in a somatic cell then cancer will be caused in the somatic cells only. It will not affect the germ cells.
If there is a mutation in germ cells then this mutation will be passed on from one generation to another.
So, cancer in somatic cell will affect them not the germ cells as they both have different origins.
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 1 hours.