What are the major categories of how gene mutations are classified?

Gene mutations are majorly classified into two categories: hereditary mutations and acquired mutations. Hereditary mutations are those that are passed down from parents to offspring through gametes. These mutations are present in the germline and can affect the offspring's phenotype, potentially leading to inherited disorders or traits. On the other hand, acquired mutations occur in an individual’s somatic cells during their lifetime and are not inherited. These mutations can arise from environmental factors, errors during DNA replication, or other cellular processes.

Hereditary mutations can be spread through generations, which is significant in the context of diseases such as cystic fibrosis or hemophilia. In contrast, acquired mutations can lead to conditions such as cancer, where mutations accumulate in somatic cells over time, affecting the regulation of cell growth and division.

Other options mention specific types of mutations, such as point mutations, frameshift mutations, silent mutations, and dominant mutations. While these are important in detailing the mechanisms and effects of mutations, they do not represent the overarching categories used to classify mutations based on their origin and inheritance.