DOMINANT MUTATION Meaning and
Definition
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A dominant mutation refers to a type of genetic alteration that causes a noticeable and often clinically significant change in an organism's phenotype when only one copy of the mutated gene is present. Dominant mutations are characterized by their ability to override or mask the effects of the normal, unaltered gene, thereby exerting a dominant influence on the individual's genetic makeup and resulting traits.
Inheritable through generations, dominant mutations occur in genes that produce proteins crucial for biological processes. Thus, a single copy of the mutated gene is sufficient to produce an abnormal or altered version of the protein, disrupting the regular functioning of the organism's cells or tissues.
The effects of dominant mutations can vary widely, ranging from mild and largely unnoticeable to severe and life-altering. Some dominant mutations can lead to disease conditions or syndromes. For instance, conditions like Huntington's disease and Marfan syndrome are caused by dominant mutations. In these cases, an affected individual will have a 50% chance of passing on the mutated gene to their offspring, regardless of the other parent's genotype.
Genetic counseling and testing can often help individuals and families affected by dominant mutations better understand their risks of developing or passing on certain conditions. Identification of dominant mutations is vital in the field of genetics, as it aids in the diagnosis, prevention, and potential treatment of various genetic disorders.
Common Misspellings for DOMINANT MUTATION
- sominant mutation
- xominant mutation
- cominant mutation
- fominant mutation
- rominant mutation
- eominant mutation
- diminant mutation
- dkminant mutation
- dlminant mutation
- dpminant mutation
- d0minant mutation
- d9minant mutation
- doninant mutation
- dokinant mutation
- dojinant mutation
- domunant mutation
- domjnant mutation
- domknant mutation
- domonant mutation
- dom9nant mutation
Etymology of DOMINANT MUTATION
The word "dominant" comes from the Latin word "dominans", which means ruling or governing. It is derived from the verb "dominari", meaning to rule or control. "Mutation" is also derived from Latin, from the word "mutare", which means to change. In the context of genetics, a "dominant mutation" refers to a genetic alteration that will be expressed phenotypically in an individual carrying the mutated gene, even if only one copy of the gene is present.
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