mutations

Cultural  

1. Changes in chromosomes or genes that cause offspring to have characteristics different from those of their parents. Mutations can be caused by the effects of chemicals, radiation, or even ordinary heat on DNA. Mutations produce some of the differences between members of a species on which natural selection acts.

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Example Sentences

Mutations are copying errors that occur naturally during the replication process.

From Salon • Sep. 5, 2025

Mutations that make Mc1r less active cause melanocytes to get “stuck” producing the light pigment.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 27, 2024

Mutations in these noncoding areas are relatively common, yet they were once thought to have minimal impact on an organism's functions because they don't alter a protein's recipe.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2024

Mutations in these noncoding areas are relatively common, yet they were once thought to have minimal impact on an organism's functions because they don't alter a protein's recipe.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2024

Mutations also occur because of radioactivity or ultraviolet light from the Sun or cosmic rays or chemicals in the environment, all of which can change the nucleotides or tie the nucleic acids up in knots.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan