Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Genetics) A change in genetic structure: A genetic mutation is any event that alters the genetic material (DNA or RNA sequence) of an organism.
   • An alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence: It refers specifically to a change in the sequence of nucleotides that constitutes the genotype, which can be passed to offspring.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A single genetic mutation can sometimes cause a hereditary disease.
  • Scientists studied the genetic mutation responsible for the new trait in the plant population.
  • The genetic mutation was spontaneous and not inherited from either parent.

Advanced Usage

• "to carry a genetic mutation": to possess a specific alteration in one's genes, which may or may not cause a visible effect.
  • She carries a genetic mutation that increases her risk for certain cancers.
• "to undergo a genetic mutation": to experience a change in genetic sequence.
  • The virus appears to have undergone a genetic mutation, making it more transmissible.

Variants and Related Words

• Mutate (verb): To undergo or cause to undergo a mutation.
  • The bacteria mutated rapidly.
• Mutant (noun/adjective): (As a noun) An organism or gene resulting from mutation. (As an adjective) Resulting from or showing the effect of mutation.
  • The mutant strain was resistant to the antibiotic.
• Mutagen (noun): A physical or chemical agent that causes genetic mutation.
  • Ultraviolet light is a known mutagen.

Synonyms

• Mutation: The more general term, often used interchangeably with .
• Genetic alteration: A formal synonym emphasizing the change in genetic material.
• Sequence variant: A neutral term often used in genomic studies to describe a difference from a reference sequence.

Related Phrases

• Point mutation: A mutation affecting a single nucleotide base.
  • A point mutation changed a single amino acid in the protein.
• Frameshift mutation: A mutation caused by insertions or deletions that shifts the way the sequence is read.
  • The frameshift mutation rendered the gene non-functional.
• Somatic mutation: A mutation that occurs in non-reproductive cells and is not inherited.
  • The cancer was driven by a somatic genetic mutation.
• Germline mutation: A mutation in reproductive cells that can be passed to offspring.
  • The disorder is caused by a germline genetic mutation.

Noun

1. (genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism