How do somatic cell mutations affect an individual?

Somatic cell mutations are changes that occur in the DNA of cells that are not involved in the production of gametes (sperm and eggs). These mutations can arise from various factors, such as environmental influences, replication errors, or other cellular processes. The key aspect of somatic mutations is that they are confined to the individual organism and do not get passed on to offspring because they occur in non-reproductive cells.

When a mutation happens in a somatic cell, it can lead to changes in the function of that particular cell or a group of cells, potentially resulting in growths, cancers, or other cellular anomalies. However, since these changes do not affect the genetic material that is transmitted to the next generation, they primarily impact only the individual in whom they arise. This distinction is crucial in understanding the implications of mutations: they can lead to health issues or changes in physiological function within the individual, yet they do not contribute to inherited traits or genetic conditions in their children.

The other provided options misunderstand the nature of somatic mutations. They do not contribute hereditary information, they do not always lead to disorders, and while some somatic mutations can indeed be beneficial, it is not accurate to classify all of them that way.