The Advantages and Disadvantages of Mutation

Far from being the stuff of romantic science fiction thrillers like X-Men mutants, everyday mutations are one of nature's most fascinating mysteries. They have played a vital role in our past, in our present and in our future. However, while there are many advantages of mutations, there are an equal number of disadvantages.

Definition

• According to the University of Vermont, mutations are "permanent change[s] in the sequence of DNA." Mutations are caused by external (exogenous), endogenous, (native), factors and "errors in cellular machinery." The University describes external factors as environmental factors like sunlight, radiation, or smoking. Alternatively, endogenous factors are those occurring inside of the body; for instance, "errors during DNA replication can lead to genetic changes as can toxic by-products of cellular metabolism."

Advantage - Survival

• Richard Carter says some mutations have allowed humans to adapt to their environment. For instance, lactose tolerance is a specific external mutation by cultures that fostered cows and goats. Carter also highlights how mutations have been responsible for antibiotic resistance in bacteria, sickle cell resistance to malaria, and immunity to HIV, among others. Moreover, there are mutations that improve chances of survival today. Being short due to a rare gene mutation has proven to be advantageous for a particular Ecuadorian community. National Public Radio's (NPR) Jon Hamilton writes how the Ecuadorian community with the rare gene mutation known as Laron syndrome are protected against cancer and diabetes.

Advantage - Diversity

• In 2008, Professor Eiberg from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology stated, "Originally, we all hard brown eyes but a genetic mutation affecting the OCA2 gene in our chromosomes resulted in the creation of a 'switch,' which literally 'turned off' the ability to produce brown eyes." He explains that things like "hair color, baldness, freckles, and beauty spots" are all brought upon by mutations. Mutations make us all unique and without them we would all look the same.

Disadvantage - Disease

• As much as mutations have helped humans, mutations are also the cause of certain diseases. For instance, E! Science News 2008 explains how heart disease -- the number one killer in the world - is a mutation. Reports indicate that 60 million people suffered from heart disease in 2008. Surprisingly, "1 percent of the world's population carries a mutation almost guaranteed to lead to heart problems and most of these come from the Indian subcontinent," they report.

Disadvantage - Genetic Disorder

• The University of Utah reports how genetic disorders are caused by mutations. The University explains, "A genetic disorder is a disease that is caused by an abnormality in an individual's DNA. Abnormalities can range from a small mutation in a single gene to the addition or subtraction of an entire chromosome or set of chromosomes." According to Biology-Online, non-disjunction is one of the most common types of mutations. Down syndrome is a non-disjunction and a common genetic disorder that has other consequences such as developmental delays.