Essential cell maintain DNA structure + prevents damage in replication
Cause incorrect or non-functional protein production
Mutations happen ~50,000-500,000 daily
DNA polymerase proofread DNA copies
Ensure base-pairing errors correct immediately
Most errors recognised + repaired
Some survive
Some small; affect nucleotide base DNA sequence
Some large; affect large DNA section or whole chromosomes
DNA stable, mutations natural + spontaneous
Mitosis mutations less serious somatic mutations than meiosis
Risk increase by mutagens (e.g. x-rays, cigarettes + caffeine)