Cell or Molecular Dysfunction
somatic mutation
[ soh-mat-ik, suh- myoo-tey-shuhn ]
Definitions related to somatic mutation:
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A mode of inheritance in which a trait or disorder results from a de novo mutation occurring after conception, rather than being inherited from a preceding generation.Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2021
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An alteration in DNA that occurs 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 children. These alterations can (but do not always) cause cancer or other diseases.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Any mutation with an origin in cells that are not destined to become gametes. As a consequence, such mutations are not transmitted to progeny, though they will be transmitted during any mitosis within the individual. Somatic mutations may contribute to a broad variety of pathologies including cancer.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Somatic mutation, genetic alteration acquired by a cell that can be passed to the progeny of the mutated cell in the course of cell division. Somatic mutations differ from germ line mutations, which are inherited genetic alterations that occur in the germ cells (i.e., sperm and eggs)...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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