Grade 9 Biological Diversity Unit Practice Exam 2026 - Free Grade 9 Science Practice Questions and Study Guide

Mutations can occur in any cell of the body, which includes somatic cells and germ cells. Somatic cells are all the cells that make up the body except for the reproductive cells, while germ cells are the reproductive cells that can pass mutations onto the next generation. When mutations occur in somatic cells, they are not inherited but can still lead to changes in the individual's traits or health, such as in the case of cancer. Germ cell mutations, on the other hand, can be passed down to offspring, potentially affecting future generations. This ability for mutations to arise in all types of cells reflects the inherent variability in DNA replication and repair processes that occur throughout an organism's life.