Mosaic (genetics): Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:12, 16 February 2025

Overview of genetic mosaicism

Mosaicism in Genetics[edit]

Mosaicism in genetics refers to the presence of two or more populations of cells with different genotypes in one individual who has developed from a single fertilized egg. This condition can affect any type of cell, including somatic and germ cells.

Causes of Mosaicism[edit]

Mosaicism arises from mutations that occur in a cell during development after fertilization. These mutations can be caused by various factors, including errors in DNA replication, environmental influences, or spontaneous mutations.

Somatic Mosaicism[edit]

Somatic mosaicism occurs when the mutation arises in a somatic cell, which can lead to a patchy distribution of the mutation throughout the body. This type of mosaicism can result in conditions such as cancer or neurofibromatosis.

Germline Mosaicism[edit]

Germline mosaicism occurs when the mutation is present in the germ cells, which can be passed on to offspring. This can result in a child being affected by a genetic disorder even if the parents do not show any symptoms.

Examples of Mosaicism[edit]

One of the most well-known examples of mosaicism is the variegated coloring seen in some plants, such as the tulip shown in the image. In humans, mosaicism can manifest in various ways, including skin pigmentation disorders like vitiligo or mosaic Down syndrome.

Detection and Diagnosis[edit]

Mosaicism can be detected through various genetic testing methods, including karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and next-generation sequencing. These tests can identify the presence of different genetic populations within an individual.

Implications of Mosaicism[edit]

The presence of mosaicism can have significant implications for genetic counseling and disease prognosis. It can affect the severity and presentation of genetic disorders and influence the risk of passing on genetic conditions to offspring.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Mosaic (genetics)'''
+{{short description|Overview of genetic mosaicism}}
+{{For|the art form|Mosaic}}
-[[Mosaic (genetics)]] refers to the presence of two or more populations of cells with different [[genotype]]s in one individual, who has developed from a single fertilized egg. Mosaicism has been reported in many different tissues but is particularly prevalent in the [[skin]], [[blood]], and [[nervous system]].
+==Mosaicism in Genetics==
+[[File:Tulip_with_mosaicism.jpg|thumb|right|A tulip displaying mosaicism, with variegated colors.]]
+'''Mosaicism''' in genetics refers to the presence of two or more populations of cells with different genotypes in one individual who has developed from a single fertilized egg. This condition can affect any type of cell, including [[somatic cell|somatic]] and [[germ cell|germ cells]].
-==Causes==
+==Causes of Mosaicism==
+Mosaicism arises from mutations that occur in a cell during development after fertilization. These mutations can be caused by various factors, including errors in [[DNA replication]], environmental influences, or [[spontaneous mutation|spontaneous mutations]].
-Mosaicism can result from a mutation during development which is propagated to only a subset of the adult cells. Some common causes include [[mutation]]s in individual cells, a phenomenon known as [[somatic mutation]], and errors in [[mitosis]].
+===Somatic Mosaicism===
+Somatic mosaicism occurs when the mutation arises in a somatic cell, which can lead to a patchy distribution of the mutation throughout the body. This type of mosaicism can result in conditions such as [[cancer]] or [[neurofibromatosis]].
-==Types of Mosaicism==
+===Germline Mosaicism===
+Germline mosaicism occurs when the mutation is present in the germ cells, which can be passed on to offspring. This can result in a child being affected by a genetic disorder even if the parents do not show any symptoms.
-There are several types of mosaicism, including:
+==Examples of Mosaicism==
+[[File:Tulip_with_mosaicism.jpg|thumb|left|Close-up of a tulip petal showing mosaic patterns.]]
+One of the most well-known examples of mosaicism is the variegated coloring seen in some plants, such as the tulip shown in the image. In humans, mosaicism can manifest in various ways, including skin pigmentation disorders like [[vitiligo]] or [[mosaic Down syndrome]].
-* '''[[Gonadal mosaicism]]''': This occurs when some of the cells in the reproductive cells have a different genetic makeup from the rest of the body. This can result in a child inheriting a genetic condition that neither parent has.
+==Detection and Diagnosis==
+Mosaicism can be detected through various genetic testing methods, including [[karyotyping]], [[fluorescence in situ hybridization]] (FISH), and [[next-generation sequencing]]. These tests can identify the presence of different genetic populations within an individual.
-* '''[[Somatic mosaicism]]''': This occurs when the mutation happens after fertilization during the early stages of embryonic development. Some cells have the mutation, and some do not.
+==Implications of Mosaicism==
+The presence of mosaicism can have significant implications for genetic counseling and disease prognosis. It can affect the severity and presentation of genetic disorders and influence the risk of passing on genetic conditions to offspring.
-* '''[[Tissue-specific mosaicism]]''': This occurs when the mutation is only in certain types of cells or tissues in the body.
-==Diagnosis==
-Diagnosis of mosaicism can be challenging due to the random distribution of affected cells in different tissues. It often involves [[genetic testing]], including [[DNA sequencing]] and [[karyotyping]].
-==Treatment==
-Treatment for mosaicism depends on the specific genetic changes and their effects on the body. It often involves managing the symptoms and complications of the condition.
-==See also==
+==Related pages==
+* [[Genetic disorder]]
+* [[Mutation]]
+* [[Chromosomal mosaicism]]
 * [[Chimera (genetics)]]
-* [[Genetic disorder]]
-* [[Genetic variation]]
 [[Category:Genetics]]
-[[Category:Medical genetics]]
+[[Category:Genetic disorders]]
-[[Category:Mutation]]
-{{Genetics-stub}}
-{{Medicine-stub}}