Do people accumulate mutations over generations?

Question

If embryos (i.e. people) arise from germ cells and germ cells accumulate mutation over time, doesn't it mean that during each and every generation people are accumulating more and more mutations? I'm guessing that most of the bad mutations are selected against, but some of the less bad mutations might not have much effect on the embryo or even the future adult but will be bad for their grandchildren, grand grand children, etc...

So how is it that we're actually maintaining the integrity of our genome?? I mean I know there are genome caretaker proteins but some bad mistakes have gotta slip through...

Answer 1

You should remember that most (98%) of our DNA is not coding for any proteins. Only mutations that occur in a (cell destined to become) germ cell can be genetically transmitted. And to result in anything it will have to involve a gene that encodes a protein (or has a regulatory function - long story) at a site that is important for this proteins structure.

Answer 2

Hi Scarlett, your nearly there, do some research on ionizing radiation first, then non-ionizing radiation. Also Chernobyl and neighbouring countries sinse 1986, uk doctors have many a time spoken about the red sand of 1986. It depends what part of the world you live in and what could the exposures be. Theres a big difference between now and our grand parents time, we're told the cancers are the same, but the pattern the disease takes, is far from the same.

Have a look at the problems the caretakers, gatekeepers and landscapers are having today, the above just might fill in a few gaps in your knowledge.

Answer 3

What you are describing is theoretically possible and does occur but on a very minor scale.



Firstly the mutation has to occur in the germ cells.

then the mutation needs to be minor enough that the germ cell still functions.

then the mutation needs to occur in a part of the dna that is usable and yet leave the dna replicable.

Then the new mutation is likely to be recessive.



Because of all these factors it is likely to be a gender linked expression of the mutation.

It is likely that this is how hemophilia, colour blindness, etc started.

Answer 4

Well the genes 'make' mutations. So those mutations that don't really help remain with the organism.

Now if it is a bad mutation then we have medicines and treatments (lets say a hereditary disease).

But when we produce offspring the genes are half from mother and half from father so technically not all mutations are passed on and therefore they don't accumulate.

But they also accumulate. Let me explain this. Mutations that are helpful (lets say stronger muscles) will ensure that the person is healthier and lives longer and therefore produce offsprings or babies that have strong muscles. But as for lets say the hereditary disease, that person will die off and might not be able to re-produce (time might now allow or genes). So these mutations accumulate and turn into a adaptation so to speak. Hope it helps

Answer 5

Evolution, over millions of years,creates beneficial changes in creatures, plants, mammals, sealife..whatever. If mutations ocur, they aren't normally detrimental or the mutation again, adapts or kills off the species.



You know how you know something but you just can't explain it? Google works great..





Umm it's no concern of yours what may happen 2000 years from now...