Patches of differently colored fur in chimeras prove germline transmission of the targeted mutation.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not necessarily,

Answer: (B)

Patches of differently colored fur show somatic chimerism, meaning two genetic lineages contributed to body tissues like skin and hair. That indicates mosaicism in the animal’s somatic cells, but it does not guarantee that the germ cells (sperm or eggs) carry the mutation. Germline transmission requires the mutation to be present in the gametes and passed to offspring, which isn’t proven by coat-color patches alone. To establish germline transmission, you’d need to demonstrate the mutation in the germ cells or in the progeny.