mutations

Cultural  

1. Changes in chromosomes or genes that cause offspring to have characteristics different from those of their parents. Mutations can be caused by the effects of chemicals, radiation, or even ordinary heat on DNA. Mutations produce some of the differences between members of a species on which natural selection acts.

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Example Sentences

The report also identified "multiple potentially significant" mutations that may alter the bacterium's behaviour.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Small mutations can have a big impact on the behaviour of the bacterium.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

This could eventually lead to treatments that target the same mutations in both cats and humans.

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 2026

“Once AI can analyze your DNA, identify your mutations and generate molecules to target them, the medicine stops being a one-size-fits-all proposition. It becomes custom software for your body.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

Most of these mutations, when expressed, would be lethal.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan