In other words, mutations occur randomly with respect to whether their effects are useful. Thus, beneficial DNA changes do not happen more often simply because an organism could benefit from them.

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 ...

How could a "bad" gene-- the mutation that causes the sometimes lethal sickle cell disease -- also be beneficial? On the other hand, if it didn't provide some survival advantage, why had the ...

This DNA has suffered a mutation, either through mis-copying (when its parent cell divided), or through the damaging effects of exposure to radiation or a chemical carcinogen.

By Gina Kolata Researchers have corrected a disease-causing gene mutation with a single infusion carrying a treatment that precisely targeted the errant gene. This was the first time a mutated ...

If it is a structural protein such as collagen, it might lose its strength. However, most DNA mutations do not alter a protein, they only alter it slightly so its appearance or function is not ...

How do mutations happen, and how do they influence ... Insertion One or more extra nucleotides are inserted into replicating DNA, often resulting in a frameshift One form of beta-thalassemia ...