Cell or Molecular Dysfunction
somatic mutation Audio
[ soh-mat-ik, suh- myoo-tey-shuhn ]
Definitions related to somatic mutation:
  • 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 Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • 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
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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