somatic mutations

Last modified on September 17, 2012 at 7:06 pm

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(soh-mat-ik myu-tay-shuns) Changes to the 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 the next generation. These changes can (but not always) cause cancer or other diseases.
Weiss_marisa_tcm8-329674

Audio contributed by: Marisa Weiss, M.D.

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