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In biology, and especially in genetics, a mutant is an organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is generally an alteration of the DNA sequence of the genome or chromosome of an organism.
An organism, gene, or chromosome that is different from the wild type due to mutation(s) is referred to as a mutant. Carrying the mutation, the organism could transmit the new trait across generations.
Dec 30, 2021 · A mutation is a heritable change in the DNA sequence of an organism. The resulting organism, called a mutant, may have a recognizable change in phenotype compared to the wild type, which is the phenotype most commonly observed in nature.
Sep 25, 2024 · Mutation, an alteration in the genetic material (the genome) of a cell of a living organism or of a virus that is more or less permanent and that can be transmitted to the cell’s or the virus’s descendants. The genomes of organisms are all composed of DNA, whereas viral genomes can be of DNA or RNA.
- An individual offspring inherits mutations only when mutations are present in parental egg or sperm cells (germinal mutations). All of the offsprin...
- Mutations in DNA occur for different reasons. For example, environmental factors, such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation or certain chemicals, c...
- Mutation hotspots (or mutational hotspots) are segments of DNA that are especially prone to genetic alteration. The increased susceptibility of the...
- Mutation Definition
- Types of Mutation
- Examples of Mutation
- Related Biology Terms
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At the simplest level, a mutationis a change or transformation. In biology, mutations refer to changes in chromosomes and genes, which typically manifest physically. The effect of a mutation can depend on the region in which the sequence of genetic material has been changed. The simplest and the most harmless are substitutions of a single base pair...
Mutations can be classified in various ways depending on the cause of the mutation, its effect on the function of the gene product or the kind of changes to the structure of the gene itself. Mutagenic agents such as carcinogens or high-energy radiation lead to changes to the genomic material. Some mutations occur as a natural byproduct of the error...
Sickle Cell Disease and Malaria
Sickle cell disease (SCD), so-named due to its characteristic sickling effect on red blood cells, usually manifests via blood clots, anemia, and bouts of pain known as “sickle-cell crises.” While many of these symptoms can be treated with medication, they still significantly lower the quality of life of their carriers. Although considered rare and a mutation, SCD is relatively well-researched. It takes place on the 11thchromosome, and is catalyzed by the inheritance of an abnormal hemoglobin...
Klinefelter’s Calicos
Klinefelter syndrome, also known as XXY syndrome, is a genetic mutation in which a male subject carries an extra X chromosome, therefore carrying the female genotype XX in addition to the traditional male genotype XY. Likewise, males with Klinefelter syndrome often have feminine features, such as breast tissue, and may not be able to reproduce. As it lies in the genetic code, which is homologous between most species, Klinefelter syndrome is not exclusive to humans. Therefore, cats, dogs, and...
Lactose Tolerance
We mentioned earlier how SCD, a mutation marked by sometimes life-threatening physical symptoms, also works to prevent malaria in West Africa. Lactose tolerance is another mutation that benefits those who have it. Human bodies were originally unable to produce lactase, an enzyme that digests the proteins in cow’s milk, after the first months of life. This is because humans often did not consume milk – or other dairy products, for that matter – into adulthood. The rise of pasteurization, as we...
Chromosome– A part of DNA that carries genetic information.Homologous– Having the same function or structure within a body, or between two species.1. Mutations like SCD, which sometimes have deadly side effects, do not become extinct due to natural selection because: A. The government wants them to stay. B. Mutations work outside of natural selection. Unlike traits, they cannot be bred out. C. They provide resistance or immunity to other, more serious illnesses. D.Mutations are a superbug tha...
In genetics, a mutation is a change in the genetic material - DNA sequence - of an organism. By extension, a mutant is the organism in which a mutation has occurred. But what is the change compared to? The answer to this question, is that it depends.
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A mutation is a change in a genetic sequence. Mutations include changes as small as the substitution of a single DNA building block, or nucleotide base, with another nucleotide base....
