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SPECIALITY
One way genetic mutations
occur during formation of
eggs and sperm
Sometimes the best way to understand a biological process is to disrupt the
normal process and analyze the result.
hat’s why Sloan Kettering molecular level,” says first author together to create an embryo with a
Institute (SKI) researchers Agnieszka Lukaszewicz, a senior full set of chromosomes.
Tused a strain of mutant mice research scientist working in the lab
as a means to uncover new clues of Maria Jasin, a member in SKI’s A crucial part of meiosis occurs
about the process of meiosis, which Developmental Biology Program. when both strands of DNA break
forms eggs and sperm (also known “We have new insights about what in the same place and then are
as germ cells). The investigators happens when something goes repaired by a process called
learned how breaks in DNA can wrong.” recombination. About 300 of these
lead to unanticipated types of double-strand breaks occur around
harmful mutations. Understanding Managing DNA Breaks to Prevent the genome during the normal
how mutations arise in germ cells is Errors formation of egg and sperm cells.
important because they can cause The breaks ensure that the parents’
miscarriages and genetic diseases. Thanks to meiosis, children inherit DNA can be halved, while also
The research was published an equal amount of genetic material resulting in genetic variation in the
November 17, 2021, in Cell. from each parent. But each sperm offspring.
or egg cell contains only half of
“This research has enabled us to the parent’s DNA. After an egg 7
learn more about meiosis at the is fertilized, the two halves come
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