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Glossary

Somatic mutation - Glossary Entry

Synonym(s)

  • acquired mutation

Definition(s)

Alterations in DNA that occur after conception. Somatic mutations can occur in any of the cells of the body except the germ cells (sperm and egg) and therefore are not passed on to children. These alterations can (but do not always) cause cancer or other diseases.

Definition from: Unified Medical Language SystemThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. (Physician Data Query)   at the National Library of Medicine

A mutation occurring in any cell that is not destined to become a germ cell; if the mutant cell continues to divide, the individual will come to contain a patch of tissue of genotype different from the cells of the rest of the body.

Definition from: Office of Rare DiseasesThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. at the National Institutes of Health

A change in the genetic structure that is neither inherited nor passed to offspring.

Definition from: Human Genome Project InformationThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. at the U.S. Department of Energy

Related discussion in the Handbook
 
Published: October 18, 2004
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