Hereditary mutation
Hereditary Mutation
Hereditary mutation (pronunciation: /hɪˈrɛdɪtəri mjuːˈteɪʃən/) is a type of genetic mutation that is passed down from parents to their offspring through their genes.
Etymology
The term "hereditary" comes from the Latin word "hereditas" which means "condition of being an heir". The term "mutation" comes from the Latin word "mutatio" which means "a changing".
Definition
A hereditary mutation, also known as a germline mutation, is a change in the DNA sequence that occurs in an organism's gametes, or sex cells. These mutations can be passed on to offspring, and can affect every cell in the organism's body if they are present in a fertilized egg.
Types of Hereditary Mutations
There are several types of hereditary mutations, including:
- Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs): These are the most common type of genetic variation among people. Each SNP represents a difference in a single DNA building block, called a nucleotide.
- Copy Number Variations (CNVs): These are a type of structural variation where sections of the genome are repeated and the number of repeats in the genome varies between individuals in the human population.
- Insertions and Deletions: These are mutations in which DNA is inserted or deleted from a section of the genome. These can cause significant genetic changes and can lead to genetic disorders.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hereditary mutation
- Wikipedia's article - Hereditary mutation
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