Genetic instability
Genetic Instability
Genetic instability (/dʒɪˈnɛtɪk ɪnstəˈbɪlɪti/) is a term used in the field of genetics to describe the propensity of an organism's genome to acquire mutations when they are replicated in successive generations.
Etymology
The term "genetic instability" is derived from the English words "genetic", meaning related to genes or heredity, and "instability", meaning the state of being unstable or not steady.
Definition
Genetic instability can be defined as an elevated rate of mutations, which can include changes in the nucleotide sequence, alterations in the number or structure of chromosomes, or changes in the epigenome. This instability can lead to a variety of genetic disorders and diseases, including cancer.
Types of Genetic Instability
There are two main types of genetic instability: chromosomal instability and microsatellite instability. Chromosomal instability involves changes in the number or structure of chromosomes, while microsatellite instability involves changes in the length of DNA sequences.
Causes
Genetic instability can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, errors during DNA replication, or defects in the DNA repair mechanisms.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Genetic instability
- Wikipedia's article - Genetic instability
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