mutation
noun uk/mjuːˈteɪ.ʃən/ us/mjuːˈteɪ.ʃən/
[ U ](基因的)变异,突变
the way in which genes change and produce permanent differences
It is well known that radiation can cause mutation. 众所周知,辐射可能造成基因突变。
[ C ](生物体的)变异,突变;突变生物体
a permanent change in an organism, or the changed organism itself
Environmental pressures encourage genes with certain mutations to persist and others to die out. 环境的影响使发生了某些突变的基因存活下来,另一些则消亡了。
These plants carry the mutation for red flowers. 这些植物携带红花变种。