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 Sickle cell disease is caused by what’s called a point mutation—a change at a single spot on our DNA—that damages normal hemoglobin, the protein that helps blood carry oxygen through our body. Janice Blanchard, Scientific American, 18 Dec. 2023 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of point mutation was in 1925

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 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

point mutation

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