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
Natalie AngierExamples of genetic mutation in a Sentence
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But only a fraction of children with the genetic mutation actually develop autism, Miller said.
—Liz Szabo, NBC News, 22 Nov. 2024
Seventy-nine of the food-processing chemicals found in the body are known to cause cancer, genetic mutations, endocrine and reproductive issues, and other health concerns, according to the study published Monday in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 16 Sep. 2024
Often persistent, the lesions can result from genetic mutations, chronic irritation, or exposure to risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, or HPV infection.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
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
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Liz Szabo, NBC News, 22 Nov. 2024
Seventy-nine of the food-processing chemicals found in the body are known to cause cancer, genetic mutations, endocrine and reproductive issues, and other health concerns, according to the study published Monday in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 16 Sep. 2024
Often persistent, the lesions can result from genetic mutations, chronic irritation, or exposure to risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, or HPV infection.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for genetic mutation
Cite this Entry
“Genetic mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genetic%20mutation. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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