What type of cells must be affected for mutation to be passed to children?

For a mutation to be passed on to children, it must occur in the germ cells, which are the reproductive cells (sperm and eggs). If a mutation takes place in these cells, it can be inherited by the offspring. The other types of cells mentioned—somatic cells, muscle cells, and tissue cells—do not contribute to the genetic makeup of the next generation.

Somatic cells are any cells of the body that are not involved in reproduction and any mutations in these cells affect only the individual and are not passed down. Muscle cells, which are a type of somatic cell, similarly have no impact on hereditary traits. Tissue cells can refer to a variety of differentiated cell types that make up the organs and structures of the body, but they also do not contribute to the genetic information that can be inherited. Hence, it is essential to focus on the correct understanding of germ cells, as they are the only cells that can carry a mutation into future generations.