基因突变,常常会影响细胞的正常运转,或直接杀死细胞。在高等生物中,基因突变还可能会引发癌症。但是,基因突变却被认为是物种进化的“原动力”:通过自然选择,那些使得自身传播更广的基因突变会保留下来,那些不理想的突变会被淘汰掉。基因突变的过程是十分复杂的,它涉及到多个系统,而且有多种不同的途径。当前的研究显示,大多数自发性的基因突变,是在细胞修复DNA的过程中出现差错而产生的。 Gene mutations, often affect the normal operation of cells, or kill cells directly. In higher organisms, genetic mutations can also cause cancer. However, genetic mutations are thought to be the “motivation” of species evolution: By natural selection, those genetic mutations that make themselves more widespread will be eliminated, and those that are not ideal will be eliminated. The process of gene mutation is very complex, it involves multiple systems, and there are many different ways. Current research shows that the majority of spontaneous genetic mutations are caused by errors in cell repair of DNA.