Definition

1. Noun:
   • A change or alteration in form or qualities: "Mutation" refers to the process or result of something changing or being altered, often in a significant way.
   • (Genetics) Any event that changes genetic structure: In biology, a "mutation" is a change in the DNA sequence within a gene or chromosome of an organism, which can lead to new traits.
   • (Biology) An organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration: "Mutation" can also refer to the individual organism or the new trait itself that results from a genetic change.

Usage Examples

• General Change:
  • The rapid mutation of technology makes it hard to keep up. (The fast change in technology makes it hard to keep up.)
  • The artist's style underwent a complete mutation over the years. (The artist's style experienced a complete alteration over the years.)
• Genetics:
  • A single gene mutation can cause the disease. (A single gene alteration can cause the disease.)
  • Scientists study DNA mutations to understand evolution. (Scientists study DNA changes to understand evolution.)
• Resulting Organism/Trait:
  • The white flower is a mutation of the common red variety. (The white flower is a variant resulting from a genetic change of the common red variety.)

Advanced Usage

• "Point mutation": A genetic mutation where a single nucleotide base is changed, inserted, or deleted.
  • A point mutation in the hemoglobin gene causes sickle cell anemia.
• "Spontaneous mutation": A mutation that occurs naturally without a known cause.
  • Spontaneous mutations are a source of genetic variation in populations.
• "Mutation rate": The frequency at which mutations occur in a given gene or organism over time.
  • The mutation rate of the virus is being closely monitored.

Variants and Related Words

• Mutate (verb): To undergo or cause to undergo mutation.
  • The virus can mutate rapidly.
• Mutant (noun/adjective): An organism or gene resulting from mutation; having undergone mutation.
  • The comic book features a team of mutants.
• Mutagen (noun): An agent, such as radiation or a chemical substance, that causes genetic mutation.
  • Certain chemicals are known mutagens.

Synonyms

• Alteration: A change, typically one that makes something different.
• Variation: A change or difference in condition, amount, or level.
• Transformation: A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.
• (In genetics) Genetic change: A change in the genetic material.

Related Phrases

• "To undergo a mutation": To experience a genetic or fundamental change.
  • The bacteria underwent a mutation that made it resistant to the antibiotic.
• "Mutation breeding": The process of exposing seeds to chemicals or radiation to induce mutations and develop new crop varieties.
  • Mutation breeding has been used to create disease-resistant wheat.

Related Idioms

• "A genetic lottery": This idiom, while not containing the word "mutation," relates to the random nature of genetic inheritance and mutation.
  • Which traits you inherit is like winning the genetic lottery.

Noun

1. a change or alteration in form or qualities
2. (genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism
3. (biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration