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Mutation - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Mutation : (noun)
1: (biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting
from chromosomal alteration [syn: mutant, variation,
sport]
2: (genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any
alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the
genotype of an organism [syn: genetic mutation, chromosomal
mutation]
3: a change or alteration in form or qualities
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Mutation : \Mu*ta"tion\, 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.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Mutation : \Mu*ta"tion\, n.
1. (Biol.) Gradual definitely tending variation, such as may
be observed in a group of organisms in the fossils of
successive geological levels.
2. (Biol.)
(a) As now employed (first by de Vries), a sudden
variation (the offspring differing from its parents in
some well-marked character or characters) as
distinguished from a gradual variations in which the
new characters become fully developed only in the
course of many generations. The occurrence of
mutations, and the hereditary transmission, under some
conditions, of the characters so appearing, are
well-established facts; whether the process has played
an important part in the evolution of the existing
species and other groups of organisms is a disputed
question.
(b) The result of the above process; a suddenly produced
variation.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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MUTATION, French law. This term is synonymous with change, and is
particularly applied to designate the change which takes place in the
property of a thing in its transmission from one person to another;
permutation therefore happens when, the owner of the thing sells, exchanges
or gives it. It is nearly synonymous with transfer. (q.v.) Merl. Repert.
h.t.
Based on Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [Bouvier_Law_Dictionary]:
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Mutation : Mutation: A permanent change, a structural alteration, in the HIV , mutations occur in RNA which is the genetic material of retroviruses.
In most cases, such changes are neutral and have no effect or they are deleterious and cause harm, but occasionally a mutation can improve an organism's chance of surviving and of passing the
beneficial change on to its descendants. Mutations are the necessary raw material of evolution .
Mutations can be caused by many factors including environmental insults such as random chance events.
For more information about specific kinds of mutations, see:
Based on Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [Bouvier_Law_Dictionary]:
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