When a dividing cell copies DNA, enzymes ‘proof read’ the new strands to make sure they carry the same genetic code as the original. Considering our cells divide trillions of times, the numerous processes to check and repair mistakes in the genetic code make remarkably few errors. But sometimes these quality control mechanisms miss a mutation. Now a new study using a sophisticated mathematical model suggest that these random DNA copying errors cause two-thirds of cancers – with lung
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