SOMATIC
MUTATIONS - SCI & TECH
News: Somatic genetic variants: A genomic
revolution hiding inside our cells
What's
in the news?
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The human genome has 23 pairs of
chromosomes, one inherited from each of our parents. The genome is the
blueprint of our genetic makeup.
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The ovum and the sperm carry these
blueprints from our parents. After fertilization, the combined single cell,
with the 23 chromosomes, starts to divide, copying the genetic material over
and over to nearly a trillion cells – which make up the human body.
Somatic
Mutations:
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It is a genetic alteration acquired by a cell that can be passed to the
progeny of the mutated cell in the course of cell division.
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It is influenced
by the repeated copy-pasting of the genome i.e the rate of concurrence of
somatic mutations will increase with age and the higher replacement of old
cells by new cells i.e tissue turnover.
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It is also known as a driver mutation as it can sometimes make a cell fitter than others.
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They are distinct from germline mutations, which are inherited from parents
and are present in every cell of an individual’s body.
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They occur due to various factors, such as exposure to environmental mutagens
like radiation or chemicals, errors in DNA replication, and other cellular
processes.
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They can affect the DNA sequence of specific genes, leading to changes in
protein production or function.
Causes:
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The cause of mutation in Somatic cells due
to errors made during DNA replication and repairing.
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Mutation can also cause contact with
mutagens. It increases the mutation rate.
Significance:
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It plays a vital role in the human immunity system.
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By the mutation it has the ability to
produce proteins through B and T cells.
Issues:
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The mutation of somatic cell can cause
various types of disease.
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Cancer can occur by the mutation of
somatic cells.
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Non-cancerous disease also occurs.
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Mosaicism within the germ line can be
caused by mutations occurring in early
development.