genetic mutation

noun

plural genetic mutations

: a permanent alteration in the nucleotide sequence of one or more genes or in the number or structure of one or more chromosomes

Lacking working copies of the p53 gene, cells can begin to divide without check, though several other genetic mutations are thought to be needed to foster a full-blown malignancy.

—Natalie Angier

Examples of genetic mutation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Viral samples from a patient in Louisiana who was hospitalized with severe H5N1 avian influenza show genetic mutations that could make the pathogen spread more easily among humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in a statement issued on Thursday. —Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 27 Dec. 2024

Fu has found one genetic mutation associated with long sleep, but long sleepers are challenging to study because their schedules don’t align with the norms and demands of society. —Marla Broadfoot, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2024

In the case of primary MCAS (a.k.a. mastocytosis), a genetic mutation causes your mast cells to clone themselves and proliferate, Cem Akin, MD, clinical professor of allergy and immunology at University of Michigan, tells SELF. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 3 Dec. 2024

The last cat to be discovered with four eared was found with this genetic mutation was a Turkish cat named Midas that was found two years ago according to True Rescue on Facebook. —Myron Thompson, The Tennessean, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

genetic mutation

noun

: a permanent alteration in the nucleotide sequence of one or more genes or in the number or structure of one or more chromosomes

Gaucher's disease results from one of many genetic mutations that can either slow or prevent the breakdown of certain glycolipids, which accumulate in storage vesicles and eventually kill cells.

—Joseph Alper