Home > Term: mutation
mutation
Any change in the DNA of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or they may be caused by exposure to DNA-damaging agents in the environment. Mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect. If they occur in cells that make eggs or sperm, they can be inherited; if mutations occur in other types of cells, they are not inherited. Certain mutations may lead to cancer or other diseases.
- Part of Speech: noun
- Industry/Domain: Health care
- Category: Cancer treatment
- Company: U.S. HHS
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Creator
- Lionel M
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