Somatic Mutations

Somatic mutations are genetic changes that occur in a regular body cell during a person's lifetime. Unlike inherited mutations, they are not passed from parents to children. These mutations happen randomly due to environmental factors like radiation or mistakes during cell division. They can affect how cells grow and function, sometimes leading to diseases such as cancer. Since they are confined to specific cells and their descendants, somatic mutations do not impact the entire body or future generations. Understanding them helps scientists study disease development and potential treatments.