Which type of mutation occurs in cells of the body other than gametes?

A somatic mutation is a type of genetic alteration that occurs in non-germline cells, meaning that it occurs in body cells other than the reproductive cells (gametes). These mutations can arise spontaneously during cellular processes such as DNA replication or can be induced by environmental factors like radiation or certain chemicals.

When somatic mutations occur, they affect only the individual in which they arise and are not passed on to offspring, which distinguishes them from germline mutations that occur in gametes and can be inherited. An example of a somatic mutation might be a mutation that occurs in the skin cells of a person that leads to cancer, but this mutation wouldn't be present in their sperm or eggs.

The other options provided relate to different concepts:

• Germline mutations are those that occur in reproductive cells and can be passed on to future generations.

• Insertions refer to a specific type of mutation involving the addition of nucleotide base pairs to a DNA sequence.

• Translocations involve the rearrangement of parts between non-homologous chromosomes, which can also be categorized as types of mutations but do not specifically define the nature of the cell type where they occur.

Thus, the correct identification of somatic mutations focuses on their occurrence in the body cells and their implications for