Mutations are only passed from parent to child if the mutation occurs in the gonads that will be used to produce

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Mutations that occur in somatic cells can affect the individual but will not be passed down to their offspring. Mutations that occur in the germ cells (gonads) that produce gametes can be passed down to the offspring. Mutations in autosomal cells and diploid cells can be passed on during cell division, but not necessarily to the offspring. Telomerase is an enzyme responsible for maintaining telomeres, the ends of chromosomes, and mutations in telomerase can affect cell replication and division but will not necessarily be passed on to offspring.

Mutations Are Only Passed from Parent to Child If the Mutation