point mutation

noun

Definition of point mutation

: a gene mutation involving the substitution, addition, or deletion of a single nucleotide base

Examples of point mutation in a Sentence

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But preliminary research by Navin and collaborators suggests that point mutations — changes to individual DNA letters — accumulate more slowly. — Quanta Magazine, "Tracking the Evolution of Cancer, Cell by Cell," 13 Nov. 2013 This flaw is especially problematic because tens of thousands of genetic diseases are results of such point mutations. — The Economist, "BiotechnologyGene editing takes another step forward," 26 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'point mutation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near point mutation

point of accumulation

point of addition

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The first known use of point mutation was in 1925

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More Definitions for point mutation

point mutation

noun

Medical Definition of point mutation

: a gene mutation involving the substitution, addition, or deletion of a single nucleotide base

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