![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090514044330im_/http://www.cancer.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
|
(myoo-TAY-shun)
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090514044330im_/http://www.cancer.gov/images/spacer.gif)
| Any change in the DNA of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or they may be caused by exposure to DNA-damaging agents in the environment. Mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect. If they occur in cells that make eggs or sperm, they can be inherited; if mutations occur in other types of cells, they are not inherited. Certain mutations may lead to cancer or other diseases. |
Previous Definitions: | musculoskeletal, Mustargen, mustine, mutagen, mutate | Next Definitions: | myalgia, myasthenia gravis, mycophenolate mofetil, mycosis fungoides, mycosis fungoides plaque |
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090514044330im_/http://www.cancer.gov/images/spacer.gif) |