mutant gene
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a gene that has changed so that the normal transmission and expression of a trait is affected