Human Biochemistry, Volume 2 - Murray R. 1993

Structure, Function, and Replication of Information Macromolecules
Organization and Replication of DNA
Biomedical Significance

Mutations resulting from errors in DNA Replication and Repair occur at a frequency of one in 106 Cell divisions. The formation of an abnormal Gene product can result from mutations in its coding or regulatory region. Mutations in Germ Cells are transmitted to offspring (the so-called vertical transmission of Hereditary diseases). A number of factors, including Viruses, chemical agents, ultraviolet radiation, and ionizing radiation, increase the mutation frequency. DNA changes induced by these factors or occurring spontaneously in somatic cells are passed down through generations of cells. It is becoming increasingly clear that many diseases (and likely the majority of tumors) are caused precisely by such horizontal transmission of induced mutations.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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