hereditary mutation [also called germline mutation]

Page last modified on: June 6, 2008
(ha-RED-ih-tair-ee myoo-TAY-shun)

When a change in a gene is passed from parent to child. This happens when a gene changes in a way that is not normal inside the mother's egg or the father's sperm. The child that comes from this egg or sperm gets the gene change in every cell of the body. The change can be passed on from one generation to the next.

Audio contributed by: David Hyde Pierce

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