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

Genetic mutations are more pervasive than previously thought, causing cancer and other ailments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

“We have enormous momentum now toward our goal of changing the treatment landscape for patients” with RAS mutations, said RevMed Chief Executive Mark Goldsmith in an interview.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

“They are constantly happening within your body,” Ms. Khamsi writes, noting that we may “acquire trillions of new mutations a day,” distributed across our tissues.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

The researchers demonstrated that specific FBXW7 mutations found in patients can directly trigger this increased dependence on glutamine.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

Of these, nine had distinct patterns of small mutations that the researchers could 'not find in any databases or in the literature.”

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann