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
Recent Examples on the Web
There were two mother-son pairs in which both mother and son had the same pain-causing NaV1.7 genetic mutation but the mother experienced much less pain than expected.
—Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
The situation began when two of the children’s families reached out to their respective fertility clinics after the kids were diagnosed with cancers linked to a rare genetic mutation, according to a new report from The Guardian.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 25 May 2025
These changes, called genetic mutations, cause bone marrow cells to grow and divide too quickly.11
Experts don’t fully understand why these genetic mutations happen.
—Health, 24 May 2025
Some of the dogs in the study had a genetic mutation linked to autism-like behaviors.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genetic mutation
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Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
The situation began when two of the children’s families reached out to their respective fertility clinics after the kids were diagnosed with cancers linked to a rare genetic mutation, according to a new report from The Guardian.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 25 May 2025
These changes, called genetic mutations, cause bone marrow cells to grow and divide too quickly.11
Experts don’t fully understand why these genetic mutations happen.
—Health, 24 May 2025
Some of the dogs in the study had a genetic mutation linked to autism-like behaviors.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
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 17 Jun. 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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