Yes, mutations can be heritable.
Mutations, which are changes in the DNA sequence, can indeed be passed down from parents to offspring. Whether a mutation is heritable depends on where it occurs in the body and whether it affects reproductive cells (sperm or egg).
Here's a breakdown:
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Heritable Mutations (Germline Mutations): These mutations occur in the germ cells (sperm or egg cells). Because these cells are involved in reproduction, the mutation will be incorporated into the DNA of the offspring and subsequently passed on to future generations. These are inherited mutations.
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Non-Heritable Mutations (Somatic Mutations): These mutations occur in somatic cells (any cell in the body other than sperm and egg cells). Somatic mutations are not passed on to offspring. For example, a mutation that causes skin cancer in an individual will not be inherited by their children.
In summary: Only mutations in sperm or egg cells (germline mutations) are heritable. Mutations in other cells of the body (somatic mutations) are not passed on to the next generation. Gene variants, including mutations, can be inherited from a parent, originating from the parent's egg or sperm cell.
