mutation

mutation — noun

1. a biological process that permanently alters the DNA sequence inside a cell, oft

1.名詞B2
釋義

a biological process that permanently alters the DNA sequence inside a cell, often creating new or changed traits in a living thing

例句

A mutation in the BRCA1 gene raises the risk of developing breast cancer.

mutation in [gene] + raises risk of [disease]

The research team studied how UV radiation causes genetic mutation in rice crops.

cause + genetic mutation in [organism]

同義詞

文法句型

mutation in [gene/organism]

cause/undergo mutation

用法筆記

Countable when referring to a specific instance (a mutation in the gene); uncountable when discussing the general process (mutation occurs constantly). Subject is often a gene, organism, or environmental factor (radiation, chemicals).

常見錯誤

❌The mutation in her hair colour came from her mother.
✅The variation in her hair colour came from her mother.
💡Mutation implies a new, permanent DNA-level change; ordinary inherited differences are called variations.

2. a living thing whose DNA has undergone a permanent change, or a body feature tha

2.名詞B2
釋義

a living thing whose DNA has undergone a permanent change, or a body feature that appeared as a result of such a change

例句

The white peacock at the city zoo was a rare genetic mutation.

describing an organism as a mutation

Farmers selected this mutation of wheat because it naturally resists fungus.

同義詞
  • mutant

    more common in science fiction and popular culture; slightly informal in biological writing

  • variant

    broader; includes non-genetic differences

  • sport

    technical term in botany for a naturally mutated plant

文法句型

be/become a mutation

a mutation of [species]

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1 (the process), this sense refers to the result — the changed organism or the trait itself. Often used with 'of' to specify the original species: a mutation of the common fruit fly.

常見錯誤

❌That rabbit with white fur is a mutation from the wild.
✅That rabbit with white fur is a mutation of the wild type.
💡Use 'mutation of' to specify the original form, not 'mutation from.'

3. a major change in the shape, structure, or character of something that is not a

3.名詞C1
釋義

a major change in the shape, structure, or character of something that is not a living thing

例句

The English language underwent a significant mutation after the Norman invasion.

undergo a mutation — for abstract change

Sofie noticed a mutation in the company's office culture after the new director arrived.

同義詞
  • transformation

    suggests a more complete change of form; often positive

  • shift

    less dramatic; can be small or large

  • alteration

    less formal; can be minor or reversible

反義詞

文法句型

undergo a mutation

mutation in [system/structure]

用法筆記

This sense is formal and metaphorical. It describes a more dramatic and fundamental shift than ordinary words like 'change' or 'alteration.' Do not use it for everyday minor adjustments. Distinguish from sense 1 (biological process) — this sense applies only to non-biological subjects.