Can a mutation reverse itself?

[TheVirus]

Is it possible for someone who suffers from a mutation that is present in more than one cell of his body to have a reversion or regression (i really don't know how to express the idea)?

[Darby]

It's possible, but the chances for a single mutation are astronomically small, so the odds of the reverse are equally so - for both to happen in the same cells is incredibly unlikely (unless the mutation is repaired by repair systems).

[JackBean]

As you obviously mean human, than no, it's not much likely (but not impossible). Especially, if you talk about one person (and not some lineage)

[kolean]

I am with JackBean, that a reversal of mutation is not likely. Once a mutation has by-passed the DNA repair process (and apoptosis process), and has gone on to replicate itself, then it is established. What you can hope for is the immune system to recognize the mutation as foreign and mount an attack and kill it. Or you have to use invasive methods to remove it from the body.

[TheVirus]

But it is possible (even if the chances are 1 in 10000000) that it reverse itself in all the cells by its own, right?

[kolean]

This part makes it impossible:

in all the cells by its own,

It is possible (like winning the lottery with twenty numbers to place in sequential order inorder to win, and you only bought one ticket) to reverse the mutation with another mutation, depending on what kind of mutation it is, within only ONE cell. But as soon as it replicates itself, then the same reverse mutation has to happen in both those two cells before those two cells can replicate the mutation, and thus it becomes impossible after many replications. Thus 'in all the cells on its own,' is impossible.

[TheVirus]

Not impossible, just reallly really really highly improbable, as well as winning the lottery with twenty numbers to place in sequential order in order to win, and you only bought one ticket. But as long as something doesn't break the laws, it's possible.

[JackBean]

[jwalin]

its very much possible. but near impossible.
because need to get the mutation in the same place on the same chromosome.
first mutation can hit anywhere but the reverse will have to hit the exact same spot. reduce its probability than the first mutation


and
+ you are talking about more than one cell that even could have replicated to form many.

[TheVirus]

:roll:

Don't give me that look

[MrMistery]

to use that oh-so-popular creationist argument, the chances of that happening are that a tornado passes through a landfill and scrambles the junk leaving behind a completely assembled 747 jumbo jet. Now take that and divide by 10^100, and you have your chances

[TheVirus]

Oh, quite slim chances...but possible, still.