Why mutations in body cells not passed onto offspring?

Mutations in body cells, also known as somatic mutations, occur in non-reproductive cells and do not affect the genetic material in sperm or egg cells. As a result, these mutations are not inherited by the next generation. Only mutations that occur in germ cells (sperm and eggs) can be passed on to offspring, potentially affecting their genetic makeup. This distinction is crucial for understanding how genetic information is transmitted across generations.