The Question is from neet-zoology strategies-for-enhancement-in-food-production scp, and it was created by the author K SUNKANNA

Question

A hypothetical organism exhibits a unique life cycle. The diploid sporophyte produces haploid spores through meiosis. These spores develop into a multicellular gametophyte that produces gametes through mitosis. If a mutation occurs in a somatic cell of the sporophyte, which of the following is most likely?

K SUNKANNA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**:  Life cycles of organisms, somatic vs. germline mutations, meiosis and mitosis.
	**Related Topics**: Genetics, cell biology, plant reproduction (if the organism is plant-like).
	**Prerequisites**: Understanding of meiosis, mitosis, haploid and diploid states, somatic cells vs. germline cells.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
		Diploid sporophyte undergoes meiosis to produce haploid spores.
		Spores develop into a multicellular haploid gametophyte.
		Gametophyte produces gametes via mitosis.
		Mutation occurs in a somatic cell of the sporophyte.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. **Identify the type of cell affected:** The mutation is in a somatic cell of the sporophyte. Somatic cells are non-reproductive cells.
		Reasoning: Somatic mutations affect only the individual cell and its daughter cells through mitosis. They do not affect the germline (cells that produce gametes).
	2. **Trace the lineage:** Somatic cells do not contribute to the formation of spores (which are produced through meiosis in germline cells).
		Working: Meiosis only uses germline cells to produce spores. Somatic cells are excluded from this process.
		Key Point:  Only mutations in the germline cells (cells that undergo meiosis) can be passed on to the next generation.
	3. **Determine the fate of the mutation:** Since the mutation is in a somatic cell, it will not be passed to the gametes.
		Result: The mutation will not be passed on to the gametes.
		Verification: The life cycle clearly separates the somatic cells of the sporophyte from the germline cells that produce spores.  Therefore, a somatic mutation cannot affect the gametes.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: The mutation is in a somatic cell, not a germline cell, so it won't be passed to all gametes.
B :x: Similar to A, the mutation will not be passed to any gametes.
C :x: Spores are produced through meiosis of germline cells; somatic cells don't contribute.
D ✓: Correct. Somatic mutations are not heritable; they are confined to the individual organism.
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing somatic and germline cells: Remember that only mutations in germline cells are heritable.
			How to avoid:  Clearly define the difference between somatic and germline cells and their roles in reproduction.
		2. Misunderstanding meiosis and mitosis: Meiosis is crucial for producing haploid gametes or spores; mitosis produces identical daughter cells.
			How to avoid: Review the processes of meiosis and mitosis and their respective outcomes.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1.  If a mutation is in a somatic cell, it won't be passed on to offspring.
		2. Heritable mutations must occur in germline cells.

K SUNKANNA · Answer

The mutation will be passed on to all gametes.

K SUNKANNA · Answer

The mutation will be passed on to some gametes.

K SUNKANNA · Answer

The mutation will be passed on to the spores.

K SUNKANNA · Answer

The correct Option is "The mutation will not be passed on to the gametes."

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