point mutation
noun
: a gene mutation involving the substitution, addition, or deletion of a single nucleotide base
Examples of point mutation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But lower doses received over time create point mutations in one strand that are easier to repair.
—
Monique Brouillette, Popular Mechanics, 28 Aug. 2023
The bacterial isolates' genomes had just one to three different point mutations among them; fewer than 20 suggest an epidemiological link.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2023
These large mutations are not negligible in cancer cell genomes: in some cancers, one out of every 10 million nucleotides undergoes a point mutation, but one of every three is involved in chromosomal rearrangements or increases in copy numbers, Beroukhim says.
—Viviane Callier, Scientific American, 26 Apr. 2022
It was caused by a point mutation.
—Sarah Stewart Johnson, The New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2020
Known as a single-point mutation, the phenomenon was understood first in connection with hemoglobin, so diseases involving this protein are often used as examples in introductory genetics courses.
—David Warmflash, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2016
Liu's team also tested their enzyme in human cells derived from patients with hereditary haemochromatosis, a point mutation disease that causes a dangerous build-up of iron in the body.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 25 Oct. 2017
Thanks to Ed Yong several people on twitter have encountered my post, The point mutation which made humanity.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2011
Even the smallest mutations – a change of a single nucleotide, called a point mutation – matter.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2012
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Monique Brouillette, Popular Mechanics, 28 Aug. 2023
The bacterial isolates' genomes had just one to three different point mutations among them; fewer than 20 suggest an epidemiological link.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2023
These large mutations are not negligible in cancer cell genomes: in some cancers, one out of every 10 million nucleotides undergoes a point mutation, but one of every three is involved in chromosomal rearrangements or increases in copy numbers, Beroukhim says.
—Viviane Callier, Scientific American, 26 Apr. 2022
It was caused by a point mutation.
—Sarah Stewart Johnson, The New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2020
Known as a single-point mutation, the phenomenon was understood first in connection with hemoglobin, so diseases involving this protein are often used as examples in introductory genetics courses.
—David Warmflash, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2016
Liu's team also tested their enzyme in human cells derived from patients with hereditary haemochromatosis, a point mutation disease that causes a dangerous build-up of iron in the body.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 25 Oct. 2017
Thanks to Ed Yong several people on twitter have encountered my post, The point mutation which made humanity.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2011
Even the smallest mutations – a change of a single nucleotide, called a point mutation – matter.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2012
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'point mutation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1925, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near point mutation
Cite this Entry
“Point mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20mutation. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
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Medical Definition
point mutation
noun
: a gene mutation involving the substitution, addition, or deletion of a single nucleotide base
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