gene mutation

noun

plural gene mutations
: a permanent alteration (as by point mutation or frameshift mutation) in the nucleotide sequence of a gene
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that's believed to predispose people to malignant melanoma, the deadliest and most aggressive type of skin cancer.Health News
compare point mutation

Examples of gene mutation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That’s because those born with PKU have inherited a gene mutation that prevents an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) from converting phenylalanine into stuff that your body can use. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 Experts have identified a few gene mutations contributing to type 1 diabetes. Amanda Gardner, Health, 20 Nov. 2023 But having dense breast tissue alone doesn’t clear this benchmark in the absence of other compounding risk factors, such as BRCA gene mutations, or direct family history of breast cancer. Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 23 Jan. 2024 Embryos can be tested for extra or missing chromosomes, a condition known as aneuploidy, and for specific gene mutations that cause single-gene, or monogenic, diseases. Brian Gormley, WSJ, 13 Dec. 2023 In their findings, the authors noted a few gene mutations in the lab that significantly decreased the drug’s success against A. baumannii. Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2024 Genetics Certain inherited gene mutations can increase breast cancer risk, mainly a mutation in the genes called BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB-2. Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2023 The answer is that those who inherit one copy of the sickle cell gene mutation are somewhat protected from malaria. Gina Kolata, New York Times, 15 Nov. 2023 The geneticist also told them that a few miles from their home, another girl close to Lilly’s age had recently been diagnosed with the same gene mutation. Dana Hedgpeth, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gene mutation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gene mutation was in 1904

Dictionary Entries Near gene mutation

Cite this Entry

“Gene mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20mutation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gene mutation

noun
: mutation due to a chemical change in a gene

Medical Definition

gene mutation

noun
: a permanent alteration (as a point mutation or frameshift mutation) in the nucleotide sequence of a gene
… there is a 50 percent chance each offspring will inherit the gene mutation and may develop the disease.Fred Cicetti
In early August the team published a study in Nature that chronicled how a single gene mutation in a laboratory strain of Escherichia coli could create a bacterium resistant to triclosan …Gary Stix
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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