Mutation

/mjuːˈteɪʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A change or alteration, especially a significant change in a genetic structure.

The mutation in the gene was responsible for the unusual traits observed in the plant.

The process of changing an organism's DNA, often resulting in a new trait or characteristic.

Researchers are studying the mutation process to understand how certain diseases are transmitted.

A variant form of something, often used in the context of a species or an individual organism.

This particular mutation of the virus has shown higher resistance to vaccines.

An occurrence in which a genetic change leads to a different phenotype.

Natural selection may favor a mutation that provides the organism with a survival advantage.

In linguistics, a variation in language or dialect, especially in pronunciation or grammar.

The mutation of the original word over time resulted in various dialectal forms.

From Latin 'mutatio', meaning 'a changing, a change'.

genetic mutation

A permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene.

mutant

An organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation.

spontaneous mutation

A mutation that occurs naturally without any known cause.

mutate

To undergo or cause to undergo a change.

mutation rate

The frequency at which mutations occur in a given length of DNA over a specific time.

mutagen

An agent that causes genetic mutation.

A drastic or unusual change in something.

This new policy is a real mutation of our company culture.

A quirky or odd variation of something.

I love how that design is a mutation of classic styles.