genetic mutation
noun
plural genetic mutations
: a permanent alteration in the nucleotide sequence of one or more genes or in the number or structure of one or more chromosomes
Lacking working copies of the p53 gene, cells can begin to divide without check, though several other genetic mutations are thought to be needed to foster a full-blown malignancy.—
Natalie Angier
Natalie AngierExamples of genetic mutation in a Sentence
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Scary Farm visitors will enter the maze as military recruits arriving at the secret lab to be transformed into animalistic super soldiers using one of three methods — surgery, chemical treatments or genetic mutations.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
About 10 to 15 percent of cases (some estimates are as high as 39 percent) involve genetic mutations that are new to a child—not inherited from their parents—explains Shafali Jeste, an autism researcher and pediatrician, who leads the neurology division at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
—Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025
First came the biological changes to the human body, genetic mutations followed by natural selection.
—Elissa Strauss, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2025
In the new research, when E. coli was exposed to ciprofloxacin alongside ibuprofen and paracetamol – both alone and especially when combined – the painkillers significantly increased genetic mutations in the bacteria.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
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Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
About 10 to 15 percent of cases (some estimates are as high as 39 percent) involve genetic mutations that are new to a child—not inherited from their parents—explains Shafali Jeste, an autism researcher and pediatrician, who leads the neurology division at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
—Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025
First came the biological changes to the human body, genetic mutations followed by natural selection.
—Elissa Strauss, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2025
In the new research, when E. coli was exposed to ciprofloxacin alongside ibuprofen and paracetamol – both alone and especially when combined – the painkillers significantly increased genetic mutations in the bacteria.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genetic mutation
Cite this Entry
“Genetic mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genetic%20mutation. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
genetic mutation
noun
: a permanent alteration in the nucleotide sequence of one or more genes or in the number or structure of one or more chromosomes
Gaucher's disease results from one of many genetic mutations that can either slow or prevent the breakdown of certain glycolipids, which accumulate in storage vesicles and eventually kill cells.—Joseph Alper
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