Definitions for "Somatic mutation"
A change or mistake in a gene which is found in the cells of the body but not in the germ or sex cells. Somatic mutations cannot therefore be passed on to future generations.
A process occurring during B-cell maturation and affecting the antibody gene region, which permits refinement of antibody specificity.
The alteration of a gene in the cells of a specific tissue causes the gene to become a cancer-causing gene or oncogene. It is called "somatic" to distinguish it from germ cell mutation which, can be passed from parent to offspring. Most cases of leukemia are caused by a somatic mutation in a primitive marrow (blood-forming) cell.