They can also appear spontaneously during the replication of DNA. Mutations generally fall into two types: point mutations and chromosomal aberrations. In point mutations, one base pair is changed.

Insertions and deletions are two other types of mutations that can affect cells at the gene level. An insertion mutation occurs when an extra nucleotide is added to the DNA strand during replication.

DNA contains genes that carry instructions for the manufacture of a protein. If a mutation occurs in a gene that results in a change to the sequence of DNA bases, then the structure of the protein ...

There are many different types of mutations which can arise in DNA. This diagram shows the normal order of the bases for one of the strands in a DNA molecule. Only one of the strands of DNA is ...

While some mutations have no effect on the organism, others can be harmful or even beneficial. To maintain the integrity of the genetic information, cells have evolved various DNA repair mechanisms.

A quicker way to identify these driver mutations could lead to more targeted cancer treatments. Scientists can now readily read cell DNA to identify mutations ... large collections of tumors from ...

A study from Cornell researchers could enable a quantum leap forward in identifying and deciphering cancer-driving genetic ...