Question #625d0

1 Answer
Feb 23, 2018

Mutations that occur during Meiosis are worse than mutations that occur during Mitosis.

Explanation:

Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces gametes while mitosis is a type of cell division that produces somatic cells.

If a somatic cell develops a mutation, it is most likely not harmful or does not change the organism in any way because only two cells are affected. If it is harmful, it is possible for the cell to either die or go into G0 phase. Sometimes, although rarely, mutations can be noticeably harmful lead to (for example) cancer. This mutation will not pass down to the offspring.

If a gamete cell develops a mutation, this mutation will pass down to the offspring. This mutation will be in every single cell in the offsprings' DNA. Also, these mutations are more likely to be harmful than somatic cell mutation because the entirety of the offspring is composed of this mutation, the entire organism is affected.