2010 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2010. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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How does a mutation in DNA happen?      Sanja Basaric, B.S: I currently work in the Policy and Program Analysis Branch within the Office of the Director. My roles include various scientific reporting for the institute on both disease specific topics as well as general advances and institute wide goals, usually involving translation of complex science into lay audience language. Mutations in DNA can happen in a few different ways. They can be caused from errors that occur during DNA replication or meiosis. They can also become mutated from chemicals, viruses, or radiation. They can even be induced by the organism itself! Brownsville Area High School in PA (9th grade student)

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