Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Genetic Mutations
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May 28, 2025 Dive into the fascinating world of genetic mutations, where not all mutations are villains! Explore examples like lactose tolerance and disease immunity, paired with fun pop culture references like the X-Men. Uncover the molecular structure of DNA and learn how cell replication can lead to rare errors. Discover the body's impressive repair mechanisms that fix these errors and the impact of external factors like UV radiation. It's all about how mutations drive genetic diversity and survival!
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Genetic Mutations Basics
- Genetic mutations arise from errors during DNA replication, producing changes in genetic material.
- Most mutations are neutral, some beneficial, and a minority harmful, impacting traits or diseases.
DNA Repair Mechanisms
- DNA replication errors occur roughly one in 100 million times but are usually repaired by cellular mechanisms.
- DNA repair processes drastically reduce mutation impacts and maintain genetic stability.
Ways Mutations Arise
- Mutations can result from tautomeric shifts, mispairing, or jumping genes that move within DNA.
- These processes cause replication errors leading to altered gene functions or protein production.