Post by Selene Gallio on Feb 24, 2011 9:48:25 GMT -8
In biology and especially genetics, a mutant is an individual, organism, or new genetic character, arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is a base-pair sequence change within the DNA of a gene or chromosome of an organism resulting in the creation of a new character or trait not found in the wild type. The natural occurrence of genetic mutations is integral to the process of evolution. The study of mutants is an integral part of biology, by understanding the effect that a mutation in a gene has it is possible to establish the normal function of that gene. In some organisms mutants can be created by gene targeting to assess the function of any given gene. This experimental approach is called reverse genetics. For example, a collection of knockout moss mutants can be used to identify genes with so far unknown functions. In a select group of humans, a modification of a single gene sequence that is dormant often until death affects the regulation of over eight hundred other dormant gene sequences. Those with this genetic disorder whose 'X-Gene' is somehow activated, usually by an onset of excessive hormones, often result in strange physical mutations. These mutations allow the afflicted mutant to have access to any variety of special abilities. The prevalence of these mutants has become increasingly expanded since World War II and has resulted in various government sanctions have been passed, and the creation of several academic academies being founded specifically for those affected.[/size][/font][/ul]