Which mutations can be passed to the next generation?

Mutations in gametes are the only type of mutations that can be passed to the next generation. This is due to the fact that gametes, which include sperm and egg cells, unite during reproduction to form a new organism. If a mutation occurs in the DNA of a gamete, that mutation can be inherited by the offspring, potentially affecting their traits and characteristics.

Somatic cell mutations, on the other hand, occur in non-reproductive cells and cannot be transmitted to the offspring. These mutations can lead to issues such as cancer or other diseases in the individual but are not involved in the genetic makeup of future generations.

Mutations resulting from environmental factors can occur in both somatic cells and gametes. While these environmental mutations might influence an organism's phenotype or survival, only those that happen in the gametes can be inherited. Therefore, while environmental factors can contribute to mutations, they don’t inherently lead to transmission unless they affect the gametes specifically.

The option that includes all types of mutations is overly broad and misleading, as it ignores the critical distinction between mutations in reproductive versus somatic cells. Thus, the only mutations that can impact the genetic lineage are those occurring in gametes.