Genetic effects refer to biological effects on which group?

• A. The current individual
• B. Reproductive cells
• C. Future generations
• D. Somatic tissues

Answer: (C)

Genetic effects are changes that are passed to offspring, so they affect future generations. When a mutation or genetic change is present in germ cells (reproductive cells) or is transmitted through those cells to a fertilized egg, it can become part of the genetic makeup of the descendants. Mutations in somatic tissues stay with the individual and are not inherited by children, so they don’t produce genetic effects in future generations.