5. Mutations

5.3 Heritability of a mutation

Unicellular microorganisms that undergo asexual reproduction (exemple: bacteria, yeast, etc.)

  • Each mutation is hereditary, i.e. transmitted to daughter cells.

Multicellular organisms that undergo sexual reproduction

  • Mutations in germinal stem cells : hereditary mutations are transmitted to offspring via the gametes.

  • Somatic cell mutation: the abnormal phenotype is non-transmittable, and the mutation is lost upon the death of the organism.