Mutant

:This article concerns biological mutants; for fictional aspects see Mutant (fictional)

A mutant (also known to early geneticists as a "monster") is an individual, organism, or new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is a sudden structural change within the DNA of a gene or chromosome of an organism resulting in the creation of a new character or trait not found in the parental type. In an organism or individual, the new character or trait may or may not be trivial, may occasionally be beneficial, but will usually result in either a genetic disorder or have no phenotypic effect whatsoever. The natural occurrence of genetic mutants is integral to the process of evolution.

Occasionally, a body cell in a healthy organism may acquire a mutation caused by a genetic error occurring during routine cell division. This is also known as a "somatic mutation." Such an error may result in cancer.

Naturally occurring animal mutants are often regarded as objects of curiosity. Examples include rare blue lobsters [WESH NBC affiliate] news report, albinos of many species [Picture] of Snowflake, a white ape [Pictures] of albino (and other) reptiles and animals with extra limbs [Polydactyly], pictured in cats. A well-known mutation in fruit flies causes the flies to have legs in place of antennas[Memorial University of Newfoundland page] with picture, paragraph about antennapedia mutant flies. An American aquarium even displays a remarkable "double mutant" snake that is both albino and has two heads [BBC news report World Aquarium in St. Louis auctioning its albino two-headed rat snake.] (The snake did not fetch enough money and was ultimately not sold)]..

Scientists often create mutant animals to study development and disease. This may involve the use of a random genetic screen, a specific 'gene knockout' or transgenesis (the transfer of genetic material from one organism to another). Among the most famous knockout mouse models is the obese, leptin-deficient, ob/ob mouse [Knockout] mice at Rockerfeller.edu..

References

WikiProject Molecular and Cellular Biology>Molecular and Cellular Biology WikiProject].
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Mutant

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