Dictionary » M » Mutation

Mutation

Definition

noun, plural: mutations

(general)

A change in or the process of changing, e.g. nature, form or quality.

(genetics)

(1) A permanent, heritable change in the nucleotide sequence in a gene or a chromosome; the process in which such a change occurs in a gene or in a chromosome.

(2) A mutant, or an individual exhibiting such a change.


Supplement

In genetics, mutation may be small scale (affecting the nucleotide sequence of a gene) or large scale (involving a change in the chromosome). It may arise from faulty deletions, insertions, or exchanges of nucleotides in the genetic material, as caused by exposure to ultraviolet or ionizing radiation, chemical mutagens, viruses, etc. Such a change may result in the creation of a new character or trait.


Word origin: Mutatio from mutare = to change (biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration.

Related forms: mutant (noun), mutate (verb).
Related terms: addition mutation, conditional mutation, deletion mutation, forward mutation, frameshift mutation, homeotic mutation, lethal mutation, missense mutation, mutation frequency, mutation rate, point mutation, substitution mutation.


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Results from our forum


Re: Any SOLID arguments against evolution?

... of sin. One of the reasonings of evolution is that not all things are DESIGNED perfectly that there are mistakes, giving an argument for unguided mutation. The Apostle Paul taught that death had entered into the world because of sin, so it is to be expected that things will not perfect. You can ...

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by AFJ
Wed Jun 03, 2009 1:19 am
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Any SOLID arguments against evolution?
Replies: 100
Views: 1606

Re: Natural selection is proven wrong

... organisms, and unfavorable heritable traits become less common, due to differential reproduction of genotypes. NS has nothing to do with the mutation of genes, it puts pressure on certain traits in a population. Thus the example can be reduced to absurd and useless repetition: something evolved ...

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by futurezoologist
Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:52 pm
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Natural selection is proven wrong
Replies: 87
Views: 2486

Biologists cannot tell us what a species or phylum is

... a mistake. That would depend on how you define a "mistake." Some species are more efficient than others at correcting and preventing mutations in their DNA, whereas others are more likely to mutate because they have to be. Bacteria and viruses are good examples, because they are constantly ...

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by alextemplet
Mon Jun 01, 2009 2:06 pm
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Biologists cannot tell us what a species or phylum is
Replies: 11
Views: 208

Re: Any other explanations other than Mutation?

Simply put, a law (ex: Newton's laws of motion) describes a phenomenon while a theory attempts to explain it. There are, for example, many different theories of gravity attempting to explain the phenomenon of objects falling. Does this mean gravity does not exist, or is not a factual phenomenon? Ni...

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by futurezoologist
Sun May 31, 2009 1:42 pm
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Any other explanations other than Mutation?
Replies: 4
Views: 308

Re: Any SOLID arguments against evolution?

... did they reproduce with to produce more people?) According to Genesis, Adam and Eve also had daughters. A lot. if Christians do not believe in the mutation of new genes then how do they suppose a new race came into play. Okay I see your point now. Although I would like to point out that the majority ...

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by alextemplet
Sun May 31, 2009 1:23 am
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Any SOLID arguments against evolution?
Replies: 100
Views: 1606
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