3) Genetic mutations pass to offspring in gametes because gametes

Because gametes are the cells responsible for carrying the genetic characteristics that will be passed on from parents to children.

Explanation:

Gametes are the sex cells generated during sexual reproduction. There are male gametes that are called sperm (animals) or anterozoids (plants) and female, called eggs (animals) or oospheres (plants).

These cells are responsible for transmitting the genetic characteristics that will be passed on from parents to children, for this reason, we can say that genetic mutations pass to offspring through gametes.

Mutations in somatic cells are called somatic mutations. Because they do not occur in cells that give rise to gametes, the mutation is not passed along to the next generation by sexual means. To maintain this mutation, the individual containing the mutation must be cloned.