How can a mutation be inherited

Somatic mutation, genetic alteration acquired by a cell that can be passed to the progeny of the mutated cell in the course of cell division. Somatic mutations differ from germ line mutations, which are inherited genetic alterations that occur in the germ cells (i. e., sperm and eggs).

Mutation can be defined as the permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that builds up the gene. Mutation can be inherited when they are acquired by the offspring from their parents. Such mutation are called germ line mutations because they occur in germ cells-sperm and egg. These mutations are present in almost all cells since it is passed on from parents to offspring.