Sigh. You mean acquired characteristics like genetic mutations from radiation or various toxins (think mustard gas, it can affect the DNA, I've read) cannot be passed on?
Darn it.
Mutations in the germ line only. If you are not familiar with hemophiliacs, read the history of Queen Victoria. Just such a thing hapened there.
Just as well, too. When I was young, I was badly sunburned leaving some ugly scar tissue on my forehead. I wouldn't want to pass that on to my kids :-)