Are Mutations Really "X-Men Like"?

by Mine G.

When was the first time you heard about the words "mutation" or "mutants"? Probably in one of the X-Men movies? The first image about mutations that pops up in your mind would be an invisible guy, mind reading and so on? Well, in reality, mutations might be a little different than that.

Mutations can be described as changes in DNA or RNA that create genetic variations. It occurs when a base (molecules that form the DNA and RNA) is removed from, or added to the chain.

Even though we think mutations occurs in rare conditions, and they are bad for our body, this is actually not the case. Mutations occur most of the time, however, our body is mostly capable of repair those mutated parts of DNA or RNA. Sometimes, mutations can be beneficial too. Over time, our bodies create mutations that is passed down to the next generation, lead to a genetic diversity, and keep the populations healthy.



References: University of Utah (2016). What Is Mutation? Retrieved February 28, 2016, from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/variation/mutation/

Image: http://www.wiringthebrain.com/2012/04/de-novo-mutations-in-autism.html