Context:

Recently, there has been an explosion in the amount of data on somatic variants due to increasing ability to sequence the genetic material in individual cells using advanced microfluidics and high-throughput sequencers.

About Human Genome

• The human genome is the blueprint of our genetic makeup and it has 23 pairs of chromosomes, one inherited from each of our parents.
• Process of Human Genome Formation:
  • The ovum and the sperm carry these blueprints from our parents.
  • After fertilisation, the combined single cell starts to divide by copying the genetic material to nearly a trillion cells that make up the human body.
• Various studies have estimated that there is an error rate of 0.64-0.78 mutations per billion base pairs per division.

About Somatic Genetic Variants

• An error that occurs in the DNA after birth but during development is called a somatic genetic mutation. 
  • For example, Skin Cancer, Lung Cancer etc.
• Their occurrence is driven by the repeated copy and pasting of the genome which means there will be more somatic genetic mutations in the older individuals.
• Sometimes, a somatic genetic mutation can render a cell fitter than others, which lead to the formation of tumours. So these mutations are called driver mutations. It plays an important role in the development of cancers. 

News Source: The Hindu