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.
mutation
In a figurative sense, a fundamental change, transformation, or divergent development of something.
Das ursprüngliche Konzept erfuhr im Laufe der Zeit eine Mutation zu etwas völlig Neuem.
Over time, the original concept underwent a mutation into something completely new.
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.
modification
Mutation and Modifikation can both refer to a biological change caused by external influences. A Mutation permanently changes the genetic material, whereas a Modifikation changes the appearance without permanently changing the genetic material and is usually not inherited. Use Mutation for a change in the genetic material and Modifikation for this kind of environmental effect.
Durch die Strahlung entstand in der Zelle eine dauerhafte Mutation im Erbgut.
The radiation caused a permanent mutation in the cell’s genetic material.
Wegen der starken Sonneneinstrahlung zeigte die Pflanze eine Modifikation ihres Erscheinungsbilds, ohne ihr Erbgut dauerhaft zu verändern.
Because of the intense sunlight, the plant showed a modification in its appearance without permanently changing its genetic material.
