Induced gene mutation

In an induced mutation, factors outside the cell - so-called mutagens - cause the mutations.

For example, chemical mutagens, such as so-called base analogues, can be incorrectly incorporated into the base sequence of the DNA, leading to point mutations. Certain chemical substances cause biochemical changes in the bases; if this creates a "gap" in the DNA strand, it can then be filled by an incorrect base.

Physical mutagens are, for example, UV light or X-rays. Here, bases can fuse with each other and be damaged, so that the structure and sequence of the DNA are changed. Special viruses can also induce gene mutations.

A mutation is a permanent change in the genetic material .

The following types of mutations are distinguished: gene mutation , chromosome mutation , genome mutation . Mutations can occur spontaneously, e.g. during DNA replication or meiosis.

The following inheritance patterns are known:

• Somatic mutation (confined to somatic cells only).
• Germline mutations (the mutation is passed on to offspring).

Mutations are divided into the following forms:

• silent mutation
• neutral mutation
• loss-of-function mutation
• gain-of-function mutation
• conditional mutation
• lethal mutation