Somatic Mutation

Somatic mutation is a genetic change that takes place in the cells of an organism, excluding the reproductive cells (sperm and egg cells). These changes may be inherited by the offspring, but they occur in the cells which make up the body, impacting the phenotype of an individual. Somatic mutations are an important factor in the development of many diseases, such as cancer, and their study can give us insights into the formation and progression of these diseases. They also play an important role in a variety of medical treatments, such as gene therapy, where somatic mutations can be used to correct genetic defects. Furthermore, somatic mutations are a source of genetic variability, which helps promote evolutionary adaptations.