mutation
change in DNA or genes
A change in the DNA or genes of a cell or living thing.
a mutation in [a gene / a cell / a virus]
- Exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mutation in human cells.
- The scientist studied a mutation in the gene that controls eye color.
- Most mutations are harmless, but some can lead to serious disease.
- The virus went through a mutation that made it easier to spread.
- Certain chemicals are known to cause mutation in plant DNA.
- A mutation in this gene can cause cancer.
- The new drug may stop harmful mutation in the cells.
- Radiation can lead to mutation in animals and people.
- This disease is caused by a small mutation in the DNA.
- Scientists watch the virus for any new mutation.
organism or gene with a change
A special form of a living thing, virus, or gene that has changed in its DNA.
a mutation of [a virus / a gene / a strain]
- Doctors are concerned about a new mutation of the virus.
- This mutation is found in about five percent of the population.
- Researchers discovered a mutation that makes the bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
- Patients who carry this mutation have a higher risk of heart disease.
- The latest outbreak was caused by a highly infectious mutation.
- A new mutation of the virus spread very fast.
- She has a mutation that affects her blood.
- This mutation is not common in children.
- The doctor tested him for a known mutation.
- This mutation makes the disease more serious.
major change in form or nature
A big change in how something is or looks, usually over time.
a mutation of [a system / a story / a tradition]
- The internet has caused a profound mutation of the media landscape.
- Over time, the festival underwent a mutation from a local event into a global celebration.
- The novel shows the mutation of a simple rumor into a dangerous lie.
- Urbanization has led to a mutation of traditional village life.
- The company is going through a mutation of its entire business model.
- There has been a slow mutation of the city over many years.
- The custom is a modern mutation of an old tradition.
- The story is a mutation of a classic tale.
- We see a mutation of values in this society.
- The system is in a time of mutation and change.
change in a speech sound
In language study, a regular change in a vowel or consonant sound in words.
a mutation of [a vowel / a consonant] in [a language]
- In Old English, vowel mutation created many irregular plural forms.
- Welsh shows a complex system of consonant mutation at the beginnings of words.
- The teacher used examples from German to explain i-mutation.
- Consonant mutation in Celtic languages can be difficult for learners to master.
- This dialect does not show the same vowel mutation as the standard language.
- In this language, there is a vowel mutation in the plural form.
- Welsh has a special kind of consonant mutation.
- The book gives many examples of sound mutation.
- We studied mutation of vowels in Old English words.
- Consonant mutation changes the first sound of the word.
- Base: mutation
- Plural: mutation, mutations
beneficial mutation
1mutation that gives an advantage
A change in DNA that helps a living thing live or reproduce better in its environment.
- A beneficial mutation allowed these plants to survive in salty soil.
- Over many generations, beneficial mutations become more common in a population.
- This beneficial mutation makes the bacteria resistant to the drug.
genetic mutation
1change in an organism's genes
A change in the DNA of a gene or in all the DNA of a living thing.
- The disease is caused by a single genetic mutation.
- Scientists are trying to understand how this genetic mutation affects brain development.
- Some genetic mutations can protect people from certain infections.
harmful mutation
1mutation that causes problems
A change in DNA that is bad for the health or life of a living thing.
- Some cancers are linked to harmful mutations passed down in families.
- Natural selection tends to remove harmful mutations from the population.
- The test looks for harmful mutations in several important genes.
mutation rate
1how often mutations occur
How often mutations happen in genes or in a group of living things in a certain time.
- The virus has a high mutation rate, which makes it hard to control.
- Scientists measured the mutation rate in different types of cells.
- A low mutation rate can slow down the speed of evolution.
point mutation
1mutation in one DNA base
A mutation where only one small part (one base) of the DNA is changed.
- A single point mutation can sometimes cause a serious genetic disorder.
- The test can detect even a tiny point mutation in the gene.
- This point mutation changes one amino acid in the protein.
random mutation
1genetic change that happens by chance
A change in DNA that happens by chance, not because the organism needs it.
- Evolution depends on random mutation and natural selection.
- This trait appeared after a random mutation in the population.
- Random mutations create new genetic variation in a species.
silent mutation
1mutation that does not change protein
A DNA change that does not change the protein that is made from that DNA.
- Most silent mutations have no effect on the organism.
- The researchers found a silent mutation in the gene but it did not cause disease.
- Even a silent mutation can sometimes affect how a gene is used.