Changes in our body: Let's learn about Somatic & Germline Mutations in a simple way

When we hear the word "mutation," we think of characters in science fiction movies with strange powers, right? But in reality, this is a normal thing that happens inside our bodies all the time. Most of these changes don't cause any harm, but sometimes these small changes can have a big impact on our health. So don't worry, today we'll talk about what these mutations are, what are their two main types, and how they affect our lives.

First, let's see what a DNA mutation is.

To understand this, we first need to understand what DNA is. Imagine your body as a big building. There is a big instruction book that contains the complete plan for building that building, that is, how to build every room, where to place doors and windows, how to do the wiring, and so on. In the same way, DNA is the "instruction book" that tells every cell in our body how to function.

When there is a change in the information in this instruction book called DNA, like a mistake in a letter, we call it a mutation . These changes often occur when the cells in our body divide and new cells are formed.

There are two main types of mutations we are talking about:

1. Germline mutations

2. Somatic mutations

Germline and somatic mutations: What is the difference between the two?

These two names may sound a bit complicated, but it's actually very simple. Imagine you're going to make a cake.

Germline Mutation is something that happens when you mix the basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs into a cake. For example, if you mix a little salt instead of sugar, the whole cake you make will have that change. And if you take a piece of that cake and make another cake (that is, the next generation), that change will also be passed on to that cake.

Somatic Mutation is something like when you mix and bake a cake, and a little bit of chocolate sauce falls on one spot on the cake. Then the difference is only in that small spot on the cake. Not the whole cake. Also, if you take another piece of that cake and make another cake, the chocolate sauce won't go where it fell.

Let's look at this table to further explain this difference.

Germline Mutations in a Little Depth

Simply put, these are the causes of "hereditary diseases." If there is a change (mutation) in the DNA of a mother's egg or a father's sperm, when that egg and sperm unite to form a child, every cell in that child's body inherits that change. Because that change is present from the very first cell. That is why some diseases that someone in the family has can also occur in children.

Somatic Mutations in a Little Depth

These are random changes that occur throughout our lives. There can be many reasons for this. For example:

• Exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun.
• Smoking.
• Exposure to certain chemicals.
• A random mistake that happens when cells divide.

Imagine that one cell in your skin is damaged by sunlight and has a small change in its DNA. Then, when that cell divides, all the new cells it produces have that DNA change. Over time, many of these changed cells accumulate, sometimes leading to conditions like skin cancer. But this change is only in that part of your skin. Cells in other parts of your body don't have this change. And your children won't inherit it.

What diseases can be caused by these mutations?

As we said before, not all mutations cause disease, but some mutations do cause health problems.

Diseases caused by germline mutations (inherited)

There are hundreds of such diseases. Some of the most commonly discussed are:

• Sickle Cell Disease: A condition caused by a change in the shape of red blood cells.
• Cystic Fibrosis: A disease that affects the lungs and digestive system due to the thickening of mucus (like mucus) in the body.
• Tay-Sachs Disease: A genetic disease that damages the nervous system.
• Huntington's Disease: A disease in which brain cells are gradually destroyed.

Diseases caused by somatic mutations

Because these occur throughout life, the majority of these are types of cancer.

• Skin Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• McCune-Albright Syndrome
• Sturge-Weber Syndrome

Are there tests to detect these mutations?

Yes. Genetic tests can detect these changes in DNA. If someone has a family history of genetic diseases, parents can do these tests before having a child to find out what the risk is for their child to inherit the disease if they have a child.

Can we prevent mutations?

This is a very important question. The answer needs to be given in two parts.

1. Germline mutations (inherited): We cannot prevent these because they are inherited from our parents. However, genetic testing can help identify the risk early and make decisions accordingly.

2. Somatic mutations (occurring during life): Although these cannot be completely prevented, there are many things we can do to reduce the risk of them. That means maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Ways to reduce the risk of somatic mutations:

• When going out in the sun: If you are going out in the sun during the hottest hours, use a good sunscreen . Wear a hat. Protect your skin from UV rays as much as possible.
• If you work with chemicals: If you work with chemicals for work or other purposes, be sure to wear protective clothing, gloves, and masks .
• Avoid smoking completely: Smoking is a major factor in causing somatic mutations, which are a major cause of many types of cancer, including lung cancer.
• Healthy lifestyle: Eat a well-balanced diet. Eat more vegetables and fruits. Exercise regularly . These things help a lot in keeping the body's cells healthy.