-
Trending Now:
More Trending:
- admiral's mast calumny kakistocracy bona fide surrogate mother
- ALL
Definition of mutation
1 : a significant and basic alteration : change
2 : umlaut
3a : a relatively permanent change in hereditary material that involves either a change in chromosome structure or number (as in translocation, deletion, duplication, or polyploidy) or a change in the nucleotide sequence of a gene's codons (as in frameshift or missense errors) and that occurs either in germ cells or in somatic cells but with only those in germ cells being capable of perpetuation by sexual reproduction Mutations known to cause disease have been identified in approximately 1000 genes. — Alan E. Guttmacher and Francis S. Collins; also : the process of producing a mutation Microorganisms have been used extensively to study mutation … — George A. Wistreich et al.b : an individual, strain, or trait resulting from mutation The worst E. coli bacterium, E. coli 0157:H, a mutation discovered in 1982 that has at least sixty-two subtypes, causes hemorrhagic colitis … — Wayne Biddle
mutationally
adverbPeople Are Reading
Examples of mutation in a Sentence
The cat's short tail is the result of mutation.
The condition is caused by a genetic mutation.
The cat's short tail is the result of a mutation.
The building is a mutation of the original design.
Recent Examples of mutation from the Web
-
An alternate theory holds that the disease emerged after a genetic mutation that occurred in a small number of cows, which then were used to make cattle feed.
-
When there is a family link, Dr. Raza says that a mutation in a gene may be passed through generations, which raises a person’s risk of having a tumor develop.
-
In late December, while researching her son’s condition, Ms. Yates learned about nucleoside therapy, a treatment that has been used on patients with a less severe mitochondrial condition known as TK2 mutation.
-
In less than 10 percent of the population, including some individuals who develop Parkinson’s at a young age, a genetic mutation is to blame.
-
According to National Intitutes of Health, although the disorder is inherited, not everyone who has the mutation will present with UHS, which may explain why both Jamie and her older daughter, Raegan, 5, have thick, smooth, darker hair.
-
In the lab, Crispr has helped correct mutations in human cells that cause diseases like sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis.
-
Only by comparing a child’s genetic sequence to their parents’ can new mutations be spotted quickly.
-
Although ASD is heritable, children with no family history of the disorder can still develop it through genetic mutations.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mutation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of mutation
14th century
Other Genetics Terms
MUTATION Defined for Kids
mutation
playDefinition of mutation for Students
: a change in a gene or the resulting new trait it produces in an individual
Medical Dictionary
mutation
playMedical Definition of mutation
1: a relatively permanent change in hereditary material that involves either a change in chromosome structure or number (as in translocation, deletion, duplication, or polyploidy) or a change in the nucleotide sequence of a gene's codons (as in frameshift or missense errors) and occurs either in germ cells or in somatic cells but with only those in germ cells being capable of perpetuation by sexual reproduction; also : the process of producing a mutation
2: an individual, strain, or trait resulting from mutation
Learn More about mutation
-
See words that rhyme with mutation Spanish Central: Translation of mutation Nglish: Translation of mutation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of mutation for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mutation
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up mutation? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!