mutation
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mutation
A permanent change in the genetic material of a living organism. This change can occur spontaneously or be caused by external influences such as radiation.
Eine bestimmte Mutation in diesem Gen kann das Krankheitsrisiko erhöhen.
A specific mutation in this gene can increase the risk of disease.
The word 'Mutation' (mutation) ends in '-ation', a typical ending for nouns that describe a process and often come from Latin. It is related to the verb 'mutieren' (to mutate/change).
Wissenschaftler beobachten, wie das Virus mutiert.
Scientists are observing how the virus mutates.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. In scientific texts about biology or medicine, it refers to the change of genes or viruses. In other contexts, 'Mutation' (mutation) describes a fundamental transformation of an idea or plan.
Diese seltene Mutation des Gens wurde erst kürzlich entdeckt.
This rare mutation of the gene was discovered only recently.
In the biological sense, 'Mutation' (mutation) is often used with the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of) to name the affected element. Typical combinations are 'die Mutation eines Gens' (the mutation of a gene) or 'die Mutation des Virus' (the mutation of the virus).
Die Mutation des Virus macht es ansteckender.
The mutation of the virus makes it more contagious.
change
'die Veränderung' and 'die Mutation' can both mean that something is no longer the way it was before. 'Veränderung' is the general word and fits in many situations, for example in everyday life, at work, or in society. 'Mutation' is much more specific: in biology, it means a permanent change in genetic material. Figuratively, it can also mean a very fundamental transformation, but then it sounds more technical or stronger. In normal everyday language, 'Veränderung' is usually more natural.
Im Labor untersuchen die Forschenden eine Mutation im Erbgut der Pflanze.
In the lab, the researchers are studying a mutation in the plant's genetic material.
Die neue Chefin brachte viele Veränderungen in die Abteilung.
The new boss brought many changes to the department.