somatic cell genetics

…chromosomes as the body (somatic) cells. But the number, size, and organization of chromosomes varies between species. The parasitic nematode Parascaris univalens has only one pair of chromosomes, whereas many species of butterflies have more than 100 pairs and some ferns more than 600. Even closely related organisms may…

However, mutations in somatic (body) cells will exert their effect only on that individual and will not be passed on to progeny.