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 gene most frequently altered in feline mammary tumors was FBXW7, with mutations appearing in more than half of the tumors studied.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

By observing gene regulation in single cells over time, the team uncovered shared regulatory hubs that many different mutations depend on.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

Cao suspected that these seemingly unrelated mutations might not actually act independently.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

After examining more than 300,000 cells, the researchers found that many different mutations consistently pushed melanoma cells into the same drug resistant condition.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

The chemosterilants of this group are alkylating agents, which are extremely reactive chemicals, capable of intense cell destruction, damage to chromosomes, and production of mutations.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson