mutate
(MYOO-tate)
When a gene changes in a way that is not normal. The change can result in a damaged gene, missing gene, or a gene that ends up in the wrong place. It may be caused by mistakes when a cell divides. It may be caused by something in the environment. The change (called a mutation) can be harmful, good, or have no effect.
Read about genetics and breast cancer risk.
Audio contributed by: David Hyde Pierce