MICROMUTATION Meaning and
Definition
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Micromutation is a term commonly used in genetics and evolutionary biology to describe a small-scale genetic variation or alteration that occurs within a population. It refers to the subtle changes that take place in the genetic material of an organism, resulting in a slight modification or mutation in its genetic composition. These mutations typically involve alterations in a single nucleotide of the DNA sequence, hence also known as point mutations or single base pair substitutions.
Micromutations can occur naturally through various mechanisms such as errors during DNA replication, exposure to mutagenic agents like radiation or chemicals, or spontaneous genetic changes. They can lead to the generation of new alleles or variants within a population, providing the raw material for genetic diversity and evolution.
While micromutations may not necessarily produce noticeable phenotypic changes on their own, they can serve as the initial steps in the process of evolution. Over time, these small genetic variations can accumulate and act as the foundation for larger-scale changes, eventually giving rise to new species or adapting organisms to their changing environments.
In summary, micromutation refers to a small genetic alteration that occurs within an organism's DNA, typically involving single base pair substitutions. Although usually subtle, these mutations can contribute to genetic diversity and drive evolutionary change over generations.
Common Misspellings for MICROMUTATION
Etymology of MICROMUTATION
The word "micromutation" is derived from the combination of two terms: "micro" and "mutation".
The term "micro" is derived from the Greek word "mikros", meaning small. It is commonly used as a prefix in various scientific and technical terms to indicate something small in size or scale.
The word "mutation" comes from the Latin word "mutare", which means to change. In biology, a mutation refers to any heritable change in the genetic material of an organism that introduces a new trait or characteristic.
When combined, "micro" and "mutation" in the term "micromutation" suggest a small or minor genetic change. In the context of evolution and genetics, micromutations refer to small-scale genetic variations that occur naturally within a population.
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