21.   The finding remains preliminary, and will require an extensive population study before the gene mutations can be decisively linked to cancer.

22.   The gene mutations knock out cells of their pituitary glands, preventing the animals from making hormones like growth hormone, thyroid hormone and prolactin.

23.   The genetic material is inspected for chromosomal damage and gene mutations.

24.   The test can allow women to identify certain gene mutations that would predispose them to the cancers, company officials said.

25.   There may be a hereditary predisposition, and gene mutations might even be responsible.

26.   This week, Japanese researchers said they have found three gene mutations that seem to predispose individuals to coronary spasms.

27.   When heated, a number of them produce compounds that could cause gene mutations or kill cells, while others may be carcinogenic, the foundation reported.

28.   You may find through counseling that there is almost no chance that you have inherited a gene mutation.

29.   Another developmental gene mutation causes a complete loss of the iris, a condition known as aniridia.

30.   In chronic granulomatous disease, gene mutations prevent a type of infection-fighting white blood cell from killing bacteria and fungi.