mutation
myoo-TAY-shun
/mjuːˈteɪʃn/
A change in the nucleotide sequence of the genetic material of an organism.
Specific to alteration in DNA or RNA structure, which can be neutral, beneficial, or harmful.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'mutatio' (change or alteration), from 'mutare' (to change). Dutch botanist Hugo de Vries applied it to genetics in 1901 after observing sudden new traits in evening primrose plants.
Word relationships
- alteration: Alteration is a general word for change, while mutation specifies molecular DNA sequence changes.
- variant: Variant describes the resulting modified organism or virus, whereas mutation describes the process or specific sequence change.
- stasis: Stasis implies a complete absence of change or alteration.
Commonly confused with
- mutant: Mutation is the process or altered genetic sequence, whereas mutant is the organism harboring that mutation.
Word family
- mutate (verb): To undergo a structural change in genes
- mutant (noun/adjective): An organism exhibiting a mutation
- mutagenic (adjective): Capable of inducing genetic mutation
Collocations
- genetic mutation
- somatic mutation
- point mutation
- mutation rate
Example sentences
- "A point mutation in the hemoglobin gene is responsible for sickle cell anemia." Genetics study report
- "Random genetic mutation combined with natural selection drives evolutionary adaptation across generations." Evolutionary biology paper
Memory hook
MUTATION = MUTE-ATION; silent changes in the DNA code. DNA sequence alteration
When not to use
Avoid using 'mutation' as an insult for a person; in scientific terms, it is a natural biochemical process.
Fun facts
- Every newborn human carries approximately 60 new genetic mutations not present in either parent.
- Sunlight exposure creates thousands of DNA mutations in skin cells every day, which enzymes constantly repair.
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