Dictionary > Mutagenesis

Mutagenesis

Definition
noun
(1) An act of mutating process through changing the nucleotide sequence of a gene or a chromosome
(2) The origin and development of a genetic mutation
Supplement
Mutagenesis refers to the origin and development of a genetic mutation. It is also about the act or the process in which the nucleotide sequence of the gene or the chromosome changes, resulting in a mutation. Mutagenesis occurs naturally or spontaneously, i.e. by spontaneous hydrolysis. It also occurs as a result of errors in replication or repair. It may also be induced by exposing to mutagens experimentally.
The advantage of mutagenesis is it drives the evolution. Variation in genes is essential to promote diverse gene pool. When variation in genes is limited, there is a possibility of inheriting and expressing recessive genes with less desirable characteristics. Nevertheless, mutagenesis can also promote cancer and certain heritable diseases.
Mutagenesis as a scientific discipline was developed from the works of Hermann Muller, Charlotte Auerbach and J. M. Robson in the first half of the 20th century.1
See also:

Related term(s):

  • Insertional mutagenesis
  • Cassette mutagenesis
  • Site-directed mutagenesis
  • Reference(s):

    1 Beale, G. (1993). “The Discovery of Mustard Gas Mutagenesis by Auerbach and Robson in 1941”
    . Genetics. 134 (2): 393–399.


    You will also like...

    Biological Cell Defense
    Biological Cell Defense

    Organisms employ different strategies to boost its defenses against antigens. Humans have an immune system to combat pat..

    Consciousness and behavior
    Consciousness and Behavior

    Human consciousness and behavior are an interesting topic since they are determined and controlled by the brain. Conscio..

    Origins of Life on Earth
    Origins of Life on Earth

    Earth was created around 4.5 billion years ago and life began not long after. Primitive life likely possessed the elemen..

    Growth Patterns
    Growth Patterns

    This tutorial describes the sigmoid curve, annual plant growth, tree growth, human growth, and insect growth as the grow..

    Lights' Effect on Growth
    Lights’ Effect on Growth

    This tutorial elaborates on the effect of light on plant growth. It describes how different plants require different amo..

    Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes
    Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes

    Learn about the general structure of a eukaryotic gene, the transcription factors, and post-transcriptional regulation....

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics