If exposure affects only somatic cells, what is the likely effect on future offspring?

• A. Offspring not affected
• B. Offspring affected
• C. Offspring sometimes affected
• D. Offspring exhibit improved health

Answer: (A)

Exposure that affects only somatic cells changes tissues in the individual but isn’t passed to offspring because genetic information is transmitted through germ cells (sperm and egg). Since the germ line remains unaffected, future offspring wouldn’t inherit the mutation or effects, so they would not be affected. The other options would require mutations or changes in germ cells, or imply an improvement, which aren’t indicated by somatic-only exposure.