Discovery: genes start mutating soon after conception

According to a new study carried out by scientists of Yale University and the Mayo Clinic, hundreds of small genetic mutations start mutating in the cells of the embryo after conception. Many of these mutations occur in the embryo when sex cells are formed. This means that these mutations can become a part of the genome and be transmitted to the next generation, UPI.com reports.

The researchers said: the first genetic mutations are similar to those that are associated with cancer. So, cancer can be a normal by-product of cell division. The scientists hope that their findings will help to learn more about the causes of disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. In addition, it may become clear why genetic diseases are not developed in all carriers of dangerous mutations.

By the way, researchers of the University of Chicago have claimed that all people are carriers of dangerous mutations. Each person has an average of 1 or 2 mutations, which can lead to serious hereditary diseases or fetal death. A tragedy occurs if two copies of the same mutation are inherited.

Source: UPI.com.