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

The report also identified "multiple potentially significant" mutations that may alter the bacterium's behaviour.

From BBC

When mutations disrupt this channel, pH regulation is impaired.

From Science Daily

Although scientists understand many of the mutations that lead to tumor formation, no single genetic change explains why some cells break away and migrate while others remain in place.

From Science Daily

Small mutations can have a big impact on the behaviour of the bacterium.

From BBC

One of these, nonhomologous end joining, rapidly reconnects broken DNA strands but can introduce mutations.

From Science Daily