(biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration
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(genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism
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a change or alteration in form or qualities
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mutation \mu*ta"tion\ (m[-u]*t[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [L. mutatio, fr. mutare to change: cf. F. mutation. See {Mutable}.] Change; alteration, either in form or qualities.
The vicissitude or mutations in the superior globe are no fit matter for this present argument. --Bacon.
2. (Biol.) Gradual definitely tending variation, such as may be observed in a group of organisms in the fossils of successive geological levels. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
3. (Biol.) (a) As now employed (first by de Vries), a cellular process resulting in a sudden inheritable variation (the offspring differing from its parents in some well-marked character or characters) as distinguished from a gradual variation in which the new characters become fully developed only in the course of many generations. The occurrence of mutations, the selection of strains carrying mutations permitting enhanced survival under prevailing conditions, and the mechanism of hereditary of the characters so appearing, are well-established facts; whether and to what extent the mutation process has played the most important part in the evolution of the existing species and other groups of organisms is an unresolved question. (b) The result of the above process; a suddenly produced variation.
Note: Mutations can occur by a change in the fundamental coding sequence of the hereditary material, which in most organisms is DNA, but in some viruses is RNA. It can also occur by rearrangement of an organism's chromosomes. Specific mutations due to a change in DNA sequence have been recognized as causing certain specific hereditary diseases. Certain processes which produce variation in the genotype of an organism, such as sexual mixing of chromosomes in offspring, or artificially induced recombination or introduction of novel genetic material into an organism, are not referred to as mutation. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
4. (Biol.) a variant strain of an organism in which the hereditary variant property is caused by a mutation[3]. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
The scientists, led by David St Claire, wrote in the British journal Lancet that the mutation occurred at a spot where a gene might be located on chromosome 11, one of the 23 matching pairs of chromosomes in every cell.
But after they become abnormal through mutation, they cause a role in cancer." He and Bishop will share a $469,000 cash prize.
The researchers made this kind of mutation in the gene that produces Type 1 collagen in mice.
A seemingly tiny mutation causes a single gene to produce a defective protein.
In Cronenberg On Cronenberg the director of The Fly, Dead Ringers and the forthcoming Naked Lunch talks about the art of horror, the horror of art (in his native Canada) and the reason why it does us good to contemplate murder, mutilation and mutation.
It is either inherited or caused by some mutation in a gene.
The researchers are planning studies to determine how common the genetic mutation is.
Furthermore, Brilliant said, the study of the mutation in the melanocyte pigmentation gene could help researchers understand other genetic defects.
The mutation in mice affects the pigmentation of cells called melanocytes.
With its main characters turning more macho by the minute, no film could better show the anti-hero(ine)'s tendency towards gender mutation.
It's more than understandable that in this new novel she should allow herself the pleasure of relaxing her vigilance and imagining her heroine as a utopian mutation of white South African life.
"Small-cell lung cancer is closely associated with heavy cigarette smoking, and carcinogen exposure from tobacco may generate an increased mutation rate in the bronchial epithelium," or lining of the lung, the paper said.