Terugmutatie

Terugmutatie, also known as reversion or reverse mutation, refers to a genetic mutation that restores the original wild-type sequence or a functional phenotype. This occurs when a mutation in a gene is subsequently altered by a second mutation that either reverses the original change or compensates for its effects. Terugmutaties can arise in several ways. One mechanism is a simple back-mutation where the same nucleotide is changed back to its original state. Another is a suppressor mutation, which occurs at a different site in the genome but effectively cancels out the phenotypic effect of the initial mutation. These suppressor mutations can be intragenic, occurring within the same gene, or extragenic, occurring in a different gene entirely. The identification of terugmutaties has been historically important in genetic research, particularly in understanding gene function and genetic pathways. By observing which second mutations can restore function to a mutated gene, scientists can infer relationships between genes and the biochemical processes they are involved in. It's important to note that while a terugmutatie may restore the wild-type phenotype, the underlying DNA sequence might not be identical to the original, especially in cases of suppressor mutations. The term is used across various fields of biology, including molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, and medicine.