RE: [HAPS-L] Mutations

[Ken Saladin <ksaladin@xxxxxxxxxx>]

At 08:40 AM 2/19/2007, you wrote:
> You're only considering
> mutations that happen in gametes and result in surviving offspring. 
> What about all of the mutations that happen in gametes and cause death or
> malfunction of the gamete, or inviable offspring.  What about all of
> the mutations in somatic cells?
>  
> --Bill
>  
> William Caldecutt, Ph.D.



I don't see why you think I'm considering only survivable and
transmissible mutations. Can you clarify? I think my question includes
both somatic and germline mutations, as well as the whole spectrum of
lethal, sublethal, and harmless mutations.

Ken


> The conventional
> wisdom is that most mutations are deleterious. But if 98%
> of the DNA is noncoding (and with certain other assumptions that seem
> of
> only peripheral relevance), wouldn't it be more accurate to say that
> a
> considerable majority of mutations are harmless?
>
> Just a bit of food for thought.
>
> Ken