Definition

Noun: A mutant gene is a gene that has undergone a change, or mutation, in its DNA sequence. This alteration affects the gene's normal function, disrupting the standard transmission and expression of a hereditary trait.

Usage

The term is used in genetics and biology to describe a gene with an altered nucleotide sequence compared to its typical, or "wild-type," form. This mutation can lead to changes in an organism's characteristics. - Scientists studied the mutant gene responsible for the unusual plant coloration. - The disease is caused by a mutant gene that fails to produce a crucial protein.

Advanced Usage

• "carry a mutant gene": To possess a mutated gene within one's genome, which may or may not result in observable traits.
  • Individuals can carry a mutant gene without showing any symptoms of the disorder.

Variants and Related Words

• Mutation (n): The process or event that causes a gene to become a mutant gene; the alteration in the DNA sequence itself.
• Mutant (adj/n): (Adjective) Describing something resulting from a mutation. (Noun) An organism or cell carrying a mutant gene.
• Wild-type gene (n): The typical, non-mutated form of a gene, often used as a standard for comparison.

Synonyms

• Altered gene
• Mutated gene

Related Concepts (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Gene expression: The process by which information from a gene is used to create a functional product, such as a protein, which is affected by a mutant gene.
• Genetic disorder: A disease or condition caused by abnormalities in an individual's genome, often involving one or more mutant genes.

Noun

1. a gene that has changed so that the normal transmission and expression of a trait is affected