mutation

American  

[myoo-tey-shuhn] / myuˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. Biology.

   1. Also called break.  a sudden departure from the parent type in one or more heritable characteristics, caused by a change in a gene or a chromosome.

   2. Also called sport.  an individual, species, or the like, resulting from such a departure.

2. the act or process of changing.

3. a change or alteration, as in form or nature.

4. Phonetics. umlaut.

5. Linguistics. (in Celtic languages) syntactically determined morphophonemic phenomena that affect initial sounds of words.

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mutation British  

/ mjuːˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of mutating; change; alteration

2. a change or alteration

3. a change in the chromosomes or genes of a cell. When this change occurs in the gametes the structure and development of the resultant offspring may be affected See also inversion

4. another word for mutant

5. a physical characteristic of an individual resulting from this type of chromosomal change

6. phonetics

   1. (in Germanic languages) another name for umlaut

   2. (in Celtic languages) a phonetic change in certain initial consonants caused by a preceding word

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mutation Scientific  

/ myo̅o̅-tā′shən /

1. A change in the structure of the genes or chromosomes of an organism. Mutations occurring in the reproductive cells, such as an egg or sperm, can be passed from one generation to the next. Most mutations occur in junk DNA and have no discernible effects on the survivability of an organism. Of the remaining mutations, the majority have harmful effects, while a minority can increase an organism's ability to survive. A mutation that benefits a species may evolve by means of natural selection into a trait shared by some or all members of the species.

2. See Note at sickle cell anemia

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Other Word Forms

• mutational adjective
• mutationally adverb
• nonmutational adjective
• nonmutationally adverb
• unmutational adjective

Etymology

Origin of mutation

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English mutacio(u)n, from Latin mūtātion- (stem of mūtātiō ) “a changing”; mutate, -ion

Example Sentences

By analyzing large cancer databases, the team found that higher amounts of TDP43 were associated with greater numbers of mutations in tumors.

From Science Daily

The strain the animals have contains a mutation allowing it to more easily transmit between mammals.

From Los Angeles Times

First is identifying the genetic mutations and pathways that drive disease.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mice that carry genetic mutations associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease begin developing amyloid beta plaques that fill the brain by about six months of age.

From Science Daily

For example, mutations in genes that produce CoA transporters have been linked to encephalopmyopathy, a condition that may involve developmental delays, epilepsy, and reduced muscle tone.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• alteration
• anomaly
• variation