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Related Concept Videos

Spontaneous and Induced Mutations01:30

Spontaneous and Induced Mutations

Spontaneous mutations arise infrequently during DNA replication due to errors in the process. A key factor behind these errors is tautomeric shifts in nitrogenous bases, where bases transition from keto to enol forms or amino to imino forms. This shift can alter base-pairing rules, leading to mutations. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) arising from aerobic metabolism can damage DNA, resulting in depurination (loss of a purine base) or depyrimidination (loss of a pyrimidine base).
Mutations in Microorganisms01:18

Mutations in Microorganisms

Mutations are heritable changes in an organism’s genome involving alterations in the base sequence of DNA or RNA. These changes can influence cellular processes and phenotypic traits, potentially transforming the unaltered wild type into a mutant form. Such changes, termed forward mutations, are pivotal in shaping the genetic diversity of organisms.RNA viruses exhibit the highest mutation rates due to the absence of robust proofreading mechanisms during genome replication. In contrast,...
In vitro Mutagenesis01:16

In vitro Mutagenesis

To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material for adaptive...
In-vitro Mutagenesis01:16

In-vitro Mutagenesis

To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
Mutations01:39

Mutations

Overview

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Identifying DNA Mutations in Purified Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells
11:06

Identifying DNA Mutations in Purified Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells

Published on: February 24, 2014

Spontaneous mutation: real-time in living cells.

Susan M Rosenberg1

  • 1Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. smr@bcm.edu

Current Biology : CB
|September 28, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Scientists directly visualized DNA replication errors turning into mutations in living cells for the first time. This breakthrough enables real-time mutation detection in specific cells, tissues, and cancer clones.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Mutation rates and mechanisms have historically been inferred indirectly after the fact.
  • Understanding the precise timing and location of DNA replication errors is crucial for comprehending mutagenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To directly visualize DNA replication errors as they occur and become mutations within living cells.
  • To develop a novel method for detecting mutation rates specific to individual cells, tissues, and cancer clones.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a new in situ visualization technique.
  • Real-time monitoring of DNA replication processes in living cells.

Main Results:

  • The study provides the first direct visualization of DNA replication errors transforming into mutations.

More Related Videos

Measuring Microbial Mutation Rates with the Fluctuation Assay
07:44

Measuring Microbial Mutation Rates with the Fluctuation Assay

Published on: November 28, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Identifying DNA Mutations in Purified Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells
11:06

Identifying DNA Mutations in Purified Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells

Published on: February 24, 2014

Measuring Microbial Mutation Rates with the Fluctuation Assay
07:44

Measuring Microbial Mutation Rates with the Fluctuation Assay

Published on: November 28, 2019

  • The new method allows for cell-, tissue-, and cancer-clone-specific mutation rate detection.
  • Transient hypermutable states can now be visualized in real-time.

    • Conclusions:

    • This research overcomes the limitations of post-hoc inference for mutation studies.
    • The findings pave the way for precise monitoring of mutational processes in various biological contexts.
    • Enables new avenues for understanding cancer development and progression.