point mutation

noun

Definition of point mutation

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

Recent Examples of point mutation from the Web

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.

First Known Use of point mutation

1925

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

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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