hypermutable

adjective

hy·per·mu·ta·ble | \ ˌhī-pər-ˈmyü-tə-bəl

Definition of hypermutable

: exhibiting or capable of excessive mutation or change Only the hypermutable cells that subsequently achieve a beneficial mutation would survive; the others would cease to be viable.— John Rennie Another severe obstacle for those with compromised immune systems: the hypermutable bacteria that can be found in cystic fibrosis patients. These chameleon-like germs produce numerous mutations when they replicate, creating more potential possibilities for drug resistance.— Jim Doyle

Other Words from hypermutable

hypermutability \ ˌhī-pər-ˌmyü-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

"What we've found is a subtle alteration in the genetic code that causes DNA instability and leads to hypermutability, or a cascade of mutations in surrounding genes …" — Kenneth Kinzler

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about hypermutable

Dictionary Entries near hypermutable

Statistics for hypermutable

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for hypermutable

The first known use of hypermutable was in 1959

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for hypermutable

hypermutable

adjective

hy·per·mu·ta·ble | \ -ˈmyüt-ə-bəl

Medical Definition of hypermutable

: exhibiting or capable of excessive mutation or change Another severe obstacle for those with compromised immune systems: the hypermutable bacteria that can be found in cystic fibrosis patients. These chameleon-like germs produce numerous mutations when they replicate, creating more potential possibilities for drug resistance.— Jim Doyle, The Birmingham (Alabama) News, 9 Oct. 2013

Other Words from hypermutable

hypermutability \ -ˌmyüt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē

\ noun

“What we've found,” he [Kenneth Kinzler] explained, “is a subtle alteration in the genetic code that causes DNA instability and leads to hypermutability, or a cascade of mutations in surrounding genes.” — Newsday (Melville, New York), 26 Aug. 1997

Comments on hypermutable

What made you want to look up hypermutable? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).