Are we all mutants?

[alextemplet]

This would almost be an impossible question to answer, if you think about it. Almost certainly, nearly every gene we have was at one point a mutation of some other gene; however, if genes like the one for lactosidase have now become so common, should we still call them mutants? Have they not become the normal wild-type by now?

[biohazard]

Well, you are probably correct Alex. I merely pointed out a good example of a mutation that has happened and its effects are well defined and easy to understand (on an individual level, as well as on evolutionary level). Naturally there are mutations in each of us with obscure or very minor effects, or no effects at all (=silent mutations). Every gene we have has mutated at some point, even the most conserved ones. Our somatic cells keep mutating all the time, etc...

I don't know if there's any definition as to when a mutant becomes wild type - after all, most of the world's population still are lactose intolerant even today and thus those of us who can break down lactose as adults are probably still mutants

[wbla3335]

Polymorphism is a good word. Mutation is best left as the process that produces polymorphisms. No distinction between before or after, good or bad.

[biohazard]

So, are the evil mutants that live in the sewers and eat little children called polymorphic people from now on? :0

[alextemplet]

Shouldn't politicians also rank in a category of mutants?

[Quasarsphere]

Yes, yes we are.

People with white skin.

The joke in your sig is absolutely appalling! I'm going to tell it to everybody I know!

[AstusAleator]

Finally, someone with a sense of humor!

[Chumbawamba]

Isn't crossing over considered a mutation? And there are other opportunity for mutation to occur during meiosis.

So I vote yes we are all mutants. Otherwise we'd all look the same.