What does mutagenesis mean?
Mutagenesis is the process by which changes in genetic material are produced, especially alterations in DNA. In biology and medicine, it refers to the introduction of mutations by agents such as radiation or chemicals, and it can be deliberate in laboratory work or occur as a consequence of exposure to mutagenic substances. The word is closely associated with the scientific study of how DNA damage, repair, and replication affect the appearance and function of genes. Mutagenesis is central to research in cancer biology, genetics, evolutionary biology, and the evaluation of potentially harmful environmental exposures. It is a formal, technical term rather than everyday vocabulary. Its careful use helps distinguish the process of producing genetic changes from the mutations themselves and from the agents, known as mutagens, that make those changes possible.
nounThe process of causing mutations, especially changes in DNA. In genetics, it often refers to the deliberate or accidental introduction of genetic changes by radiation, chemicals, or other agents.
- The process of causing mutations in genetic material, particularly by exposure to radiation, chemicals, or other mutagenic agents.
"Researchers used chemical mutagenesis to create bacterial strains with useful traits."
"UV radiation can trigger mutagenesis in exposed cells."
"The scientists employed chemical mutagenesis to generate strains with new genetic traits."
Rare; mutagenesis is usually treated as an uncountable noun.
"The researchers compared different types of mutageneses in cultured cells."
A mutation is the change itself; mutagenesis is the process that can set that change in motion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mutagenesis come from?
The word mutagenesis emerged in the 20th century as genetics developed a vocabulary for describing causes and processes. Its base is the Latin root mutare, meaning “to change,” as reflected in mutagen, combined with the Greek-derived ending -genesis, associated with birth, origin, or production. The formation reflects the close scientific relationship between mutagens, which cause changes, and mutagenesis, the process by which those changes are introduced.
How mutagenesis is actually used
This is a formal scientific term used especially in genetics, medicine, and environmental science. It is normally used as an uncountable noun, although a plural is possible.
Easily confused with mutagenesis
A mutation is the resulting genetic change, whereas mutagenesis is the process that produces such a change.
A mutagen is an agent that can cause genetic changes, whereas mutagenesis is the overall process of bringing those changes about.