Question

Mistakes may happen during every copying process. The same is true for DNA replication. Are there correction systems in cells that try to fix those mistakes? Under which situation are the mistakes carried only by the individual owner of the cell within which the mistake has occurred and in which situation are they transmitted to other individuals?

Answer 1

The cell is equipped with an enzymatic system that tries to fix mistakes of the DNA replication process. This system, however, is not completely efficient.

DNA replication mistakes are kept in the original individual where the failure occurred when the phenomenon affects somatic cells. If a replication mistake occurs in the formation of a germline cell (e.g., in gametes) the DNA alteration may be transmitted to the offspring of the individual.