Mutation, a concept we often hear in science fiction movies, is actually a scientific fact of our lives and we all undergo mutation even if we do not realize it. Let’s try to answer frequently asked questions such as what mutation is, which occurs in many different ways and whose effects vary accordingly, and whether it is hereditary.
If you are not very interested in science, you probably first encountered the concept of mutation thanks to the legendary mutant team of the Marvel world, the X-Men. Even if you haven’t met the X-Men, we’re sure you’ve heard the concept of mutation from science fiction movies. the idea of a mutating DNA It actually paves the way for strange dreams, such as growing wings or flying.
Mutation is actually a scientific fact that happens to all living things, including humans. Of course, even if it causes some changes, it does not cause as crazy results as we see in the movies. In fact, according to experts, small mutations are even good. In some cases, it can be hereditary and transmitted from generation to generation What is mutation? let’s take a closer look and let’s see the important details you need to know about the subject.
Let’s start by briefly defining it; What is mutation?
In its most general definition, mutation; in the genome of a living organism, that is, It is a change that occurs in the DNA sequence. It may be caused by DNA changes that occur for many different reasons such as cell division, exposure to mutagens, viral infection. While most mutations are not transmitted from generation to generation, some may be inherited and manifest themselves in new generations.
Is the mutation inherited? The answer to this is both yes and no:
Mutation is a change in the DNA sequence. Whether this condition will be hereditary or not, It varies depending on where the change takes place. A mutation occurring in somatic cells such as muscle or skin cells affects only that cell and its environment. Mutations in the egg and sperm, called germline cells, naturally cause hereditary changes that will be passed on from generation to generation. In other words, whether a mutation is inherited depends on which cells it affects.
In fact, we all mutate:
Of course, just because we are all mutating does not mean that we will all have wings in two weeks. As we explained during the definition Even a viral infection can actually cause mutation in our DNA cells. However, since our cells repair this change in a short time and since this change only occurs in a regional area, none of us become mutants.
In fact, we can understand what mutation is even when we look in the mirror. Even though you have a very similar genome to your mother and father, you don’t look the same, do you? Because you have mutated. During this mutation, a new eye color, hair color, nose structure and countless other features were added to you. When we look at it from this perspective, we are all mutants.
The key to genetic diversity lies in mutation:
When we say genetic diversity, do not only think of simple externally visible features such as hair color and eye color. Genetic diversity also determines the structure of DNA proteins. New variations that emerge as a result of mutation also determine the person’s status against diseases. Of course, this is not always good because some mutations can also increase the risk of a disease.
Let’s explain with two simple examples. For example, mammals have numerous If one of your DNA proteins carrying the olfactory receptor has mutated and disappeared You may not even be aware of this situation. For example, babies have a DNA protein that produces the enzyme that breaks down lactose. This protein becomes deactivated at the age of four and lactose intolerance begins. But in some people, this protein remains active so lactose is not a problem.
Okay, but why do we mutate? Here are some of the factors that cause mutation:
- Radiation
- ultraviolet rays
- beta ray
- gamma ray
- x ray
- Radioactive substances
- Formaldehyde
- Nitric acid
- some medications
- pH change
- heat exchange
- viruses
- Differences during cell division
These are the most common environmental factors known to cause mutation. Of course, there is also a hereditary factor, but we said that it is passed on through germline changes. When we look at the list, some of the factors that stand out We see that there are situations that we cannot easily encounter in daily life. In fact, it is not always enough to be exposed to them once to cause mutation. So yeah, it’s a bit of a complicated issue.
The reason we don’t see mutation effects so easily is the DNA repair system:
Don’t think that there is a change in their DNA cells and they just sit and watch. On the contrary, there is also a repair system in our DNA structure. When this change begins DNA nucleotides begin to correct this change. The first purpose of this repair system is to repair the cell, but when they see that it is not repaired, that cell is destroyed. Any problems in the process can cause the cell to become cancerous.
Interesting, but there are things we can do to strengthen our DNA repair system. For example if you use sunscreen You can prevent the mutation that ultraviolet rays will cause in your skin cells. In this way, you reduce the risk of skin cancer that may occur in your skin cells in the future due to excessive sun exposure.
It is possible to encounter different types of mutation examples everywhere:
One type of mutation, called a point mutation, makes a change in just one DNA base. This much, We can define it as a single letter change in a sentence. A mutation in the base may cause the protein it produces to become mutant, remain the same, or not be produced at all. Although it is harmless most of the time, it can sometimes cause a genetic disorder or cancer.
A type of mutation called chromosomal mutation It is a change in the number of chromosomes that are part of DNA. We see the clearest example of this in Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs due to chromosomal mutation. In this case, the person has extra chromosomes, which causes physical changes as well as some health problems.
Hereditary mutation, as we explained above, is the mutation that occurs in egg and sperm cells. is passed on from generation to generation. Conditions that are transmitted from generation to generation, such as albinism, six-fingeredness, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, and different types of cancer, are the result of hereditary mutation.
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It is a natural condition that occurs in all living things. What is mutation, is it hereditary, what causes it? We answered frequently asked questions such as: Of course, mutation is such a deep topic that you will get lost when you delve into it, but in this article, we aimed to provide general information only for those who hear about mutation for the first time.