gene mutation

noun

plural gene mutations

: a permanent alteration (as by point mutation or frameshift mutation) in the nucleotide sequence of a gene

Researchers have identified a gene mutation that's believed to predispose people to malignant melanoma, the deadliest and most aggressive type of skin cancer.

—Health News

compare point mutation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Neonatal diabetes: Another rare form of diabetes that's also caused by a gene mutation and diagnosed in children younger than 6 months. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2023

The embryo report even contained handwritten notes that said the transplant carried the CDH1-gene mutation, according to the lawsuit. —Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2023

For those with a gene mutation, removal of the fallopian tubes may be one avenue to explore to lower the chances of getting the disease, according to experts. —Amy Mcgorry, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2023

This allowed researchers to determine how many people had gotten breast cancer for a second time, and the approximate risk associated with each gene mutation. —Julia Landwehr, Health, 26 Jan. 2023

The gene mutation can also put you at higher risk for breast cancer and other disease. —Marisa Sullivan, Peoplemag, 18 Jan. 2023

The condition is caused by a gene mutation and can lead to all sorts of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and liver disease. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022

The study confirmed scientists’ theory that gene mutation can happen rapidly. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2022

Following Applegate's diagnosis with the BRCA1 gene mutation — which predisposes her to developing certain cancers — the actress focused on eliminating unhealthy foods and stresses from her and her family's life. —Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 18 Jan. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

gene mutation

noun

: mutation due to a chemical change in a gene

Medical Definition

gene mutation

noun

: a permanent alteration (as a point mutation or frameshift mutation) in the nucleotide sequence of a gene

… there is a 50 percent chance each offspring will inherit the gene mutation and may develop the disease.

—Fred Cicetti

In early August the team published a study in Nature that chronicled how a single gene mutation in a laboratory strain of Escherichia coli could create a bacterium resistant to triclosan …

—Gary Stix