Genetic mutations

Genetic mutations (pronunciation: /dʒɪˈnɛtɪk mjuːˈteɪʃənz/) are changes that occur in the DNA sequence of a genome. The term "mutation" originates from the Latin word "mutare", meaning "to change".

Types of Genetic Mutations

There are several types of genetic mutations, including:

Point mutation: A change in a single base pair in the DNA sequence.
Insertion mutation: The addition of one or more nucleotide base pairs into a DNA sequence.
Deletion mutation': The loss of some part of a DNA sequence.
Duplication mutation: A type of mutation that involves duplication of a region of DNA that contains a gene.
Frameshift mutation: Mutations that occur when the number of nucleotides inserted or deleted is not a multiple of three.

Causes of Genetic Mutations

Genetic mutations can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, can cause genetic mutations.
Errors in DNA replication: Errors that occur during the process of DNA replication can result in genetic mutations.
Inherited mutations: Some genetic mutations are inherited from a person's parents.

Effects of Genetic Mutations

The effects of genetic mutations can vary widely. Some mutations may have no noticeable effect, while others can cause serious health conditions, such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia.

Related Terms

Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses.
Nucleotide: The basic building block of DNA and RNA.
Base pair: A pair of complementary bases in a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule.