chromosomal mutation
- noun
- /ˌkroʊməˈsoʊməl mjuˈteɪʃən/
- Specialized
- A chromosomal mutation can lead to genetic disorders in future generations.
Examples
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Single gene mutations or whole chromosomal mutations are implicated in several neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Researchers are studying how chromosomal mutations affect the development of certain cancers.
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Understanding chromosomal mutations is essential for advancing genetic research and therapies.
Synonyms
A permanent change in DNA that can cause new traits
A missing piece of DNA in a gene that changes how it works
A change in the number or shape of chromosomes that often causes health problems
A change in the number or shape of chromosomes that often causes health problems
A change in the usual number or shape of chromosomes that often causes physical and mental problems
A single change in DNA where one letter is changed, added, or lost
A condition in which an organism has a different number of chromosomes than normal for its species
A genetic change when DNA letters are added or removed that changes how a gene is read
How Severe
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning of 'chromosomal mutation' is directly compositional: 'chromosomal' specifies the locus (chromosomes) and 'mutation' denotes a genetic change, so the phrase denotes a mutation affecting chromosomes. This structure is a straightforward modifier + noun compound found cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reasonably infer the intended meaning.
Etymology
The term chromosomal mutation comes from how scientists saw dark, thread-like chromosomes in cells that carry the bits of heredity called 'genes'. A mutation means a 'change', so the phrase pictures a change in those thread-like parts, which is why it means a change in an organism's 'genes'.