Postzygotic mutation
Postzygotic mutation
Postzygotic mutation (pronunciation: post-zy-got-ic mu-ta-tion) is a type of genetic mutation that occurs after fertilization, resulting in offspring with a genetic makeup different from that of either parent.
Etymology
The term "postzygotic" is derived from the words "post-", meaning after, and "zygotic", referring to a zygote, the cell formed when two gamete cells are joined by means of sexual reproduction. "Mutation" comes from the Latin "mutatio", meaning change.
Definition
A postzygotic mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that occurs in the offspring after fertilization. This can result in a mosaicism, where an individual has cells with different genetic makeup. These mutations can occur at any point in a person's life and can affect any cell in the body except the germ cells.
Related Terms
- Zygote: A cell formed by the union of two gametes; the earliest stage of a developing organism.
- Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence of a gene.
- Mosaicism: A condition in which cells within the same person have a different genetic makeup.
- Genetic mutation: A permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene.
- DNA sequence: The precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.
- Gamete: A mature sexual reproductive cell, as a sperm or egg, that unites with another cell to form a new organism.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Postzygotic mutation
- Wikipedia's article - Postzygotic mutation
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