Question

Why acquired characters are not inherited?
A. Acquired characters do not produce change in the DNA of germ cells.
B. Acquired characters produce change in the DNA of germ cells.
C. Acquired characters do not produce change in the DNA of somatic cells.
D. All of the above.

Answer 1

Acquired characters are such types of characters that are observed in a person and are developed during his lifetime. But these characters are not inherited from one generation to another. An acquired trait is raised in an individual as a result of environmental influence.

Complete answer:
An acquired characteristic can be defined as a non-heritable change in the function or structure of a living organism. These changes are caused after birth. Various factors like disease, injury, accident, deliberate modification, variation, repeated use, disuse, misuse, or other environmental influence are responsible for the development of acquired traits. Acquired traits are synonymous with acquired characteristics. These traits are not passed onto offspring from the parents during reproduction.
The changes that raised acquired characteristics can have many exposure and degrees of visibility, but they all have one thing in common. They change the function or structure of a living organism after birth.
Some examples of acquired characteristics are as follows. A bodybuilder can acquire muscles through physical training and diet. An injury that can lead to the loss of a limb is another example. In the case of bonsai plants, the miniaturization takes place through careful cultivation techniques.
The acquired traits cannot be passed on in the successive generation because the changes take place do not reflect in the DNA of the germ cells. Generally, these changes affect the somatic cells but only the germ cells are passed to the next generation.

Therefore, the correct option is option A.

Additional information:
Some acquired characteristics are considered as minor and temporary characteristics like bruises due to injury, rashes, or shaving body hair. There are some permanent but inconspicuous or invisible characteristics such as corrective eye surgery and organ transplant. Some semi-permanent but inconspicuous or invisible acquired traits are vaccination and laser hair removal. Perms, tattoos, and amputations are the example of semi-permanent and highly visible acquired characteristics.

Note: Acquired characters are such changes that are raised in animals after birth during his lifespan. But these traits are non-heritable changes. Several factors like disease, injury, accident, and some environmental influences are responsible for such changes. Generally, these changes take place in the non-reproductive tissues which affect the somatic cells. These traits do not reflect in the DNA of the germ cells, and germ cells only pass to the next generation.