2007-01-10 13:24:58 · 6 answers · asked by Valerie L 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
One error in 10^7 to 10^8 bases replicated means about 60 - 600 error in one human cell which contains 6 x 10^9 base pairs. As another answerer already said, most of these mutations do not affect working genes.
2007-01-10 13:37:46 · answer #1 · answered by novangelis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not exactly. If you think about it, it could occur in a part of the DNA that is never transcribed into RNA, so it would be passed on, but never expressed. If it was severe enough then yes, it would "die" but in most cases, like cancer, the mutation causes a slight mutation that escalates into a larger problem.
2007-01-10 13:30:45 · answer #2 · answered by Alex 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no set percent. Mutations are actually very common. Fortunately we have enzymes that go over our DNA to check for mutations. If they find them the will repair them. If for whatever it is not repaired the body's immune system may order the cell to undergo Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death) to prevent a tumor from forming.
2007-01-10 13:33:06 · answer #3 · answered by superchef567 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prev answer seems right; i've heard mutation rate is 1 in 10e9. Again there are many proofreading mechanisms in place; without these the mutation rate would be 10,000 higher.
2007-01-10 14:23:49 · answer #4 · answered by gibbie99 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
High.
But most mutations end with that cell and dont get passed on to further cells because it causes said cell to die.
2007-01-10 13:28:28 · answer #5 · answered by Mic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're pretty slim, I believe. And they don't turn you into an X-man.
2007-01-10 13:36:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋