Which type of genetic mutation is inherited at birth and can lead to cancer?

Which type of genetic mutation is inherited at birth and can lead to cancer?

• A. Somatic mutations
• B. Germ cell mutations
• C. Acquired mutations
• D. Environmental mutations

Answer: (B)

Germ cell mutations are alterations in the DNA that occur in the reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) and can be passed on to offspring. When these mutations are present at conception, they are inherited as part of the genetic makeup of the individual. This type of mutation can lead to various genetic disorders and an increased risk of cancers, depending on the specific mutation and the genes involved. In contrast, somatic mutations typically arise in non-germline (body) cells during a person's life and are not inheritable. These mutations can contribute to cancer development but are not present at birth. Acquired mutations also occur due to environmental factors and lifestyle choices and develop over time rather than being inherited from parents. Environmental mutations relate to external factors, like exposure to toxins or radiation, but are not inherently a type of mutation passed down through genetics. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing how certain genetic factors increase cancer susceptibility and the role that inherited traits can play in an individual’s overall cancer risk.

Germ cell mutations are alterations in the DNA that occur in the reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) and can be passed on to offspring. When these mutations are present at conception, they are inherited as part of the genetic makeup of the individual. This type of mutation can lead to various genetic disorders and an increased risk of cancers, depending on the specific mutation and the genes involved.

In contrast, somatic mutations typically arise in non-germline (body) cells during a person's life and are not inheritable. These mutations can contribute to cancer development but are not present at birth. Acquired mutations also occur due to environmental factors and lifestyle choices and develop over time rather than being inherited from parents. Environmental mutations relate to external factors, like exposure to toxins or radiation, but are not inherently a type of mutation passed down through genetics.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing how certain genetic factors increase cancer susceptibility and the role that inherited traits can play in an individual’s overall cancer risk.