a beneficial mutation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a beneficial mutation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing genetics, evolution, or biological changes that have positive effects on an organism's survival or reproduction. Example: "The research highlighted a beneficial mutation that allowed the species to adapt to its changing environment more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Third, the duplication may represent a precursor enhancing the likelihood of the substitution of a beneficial mutation through an increase in the mutational target and in local mutation rates.

BMC Genomics

A mutator could get such immediate profits from a beneficial mutation, whereas its action might be weakened by the eventual increase in deleterious mutations.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Then came zapping chestnuts with gamma radiation, in the hopes of producing a beneficial mutation.

The New Yorker

Thus, what was a beneficial mutation in Africa and Asia became detrimental in Australia where this toxin was absent.

The Guardian

But, let me ask this: If this was such a beneficial mutation, why isn't it more common?

The New Yorker

Thus the red-eyed gene mimicked a beneficial mutation.

Science Magazine

Eventually, a beneficial mutation may be the only alternative left as all others have ultimately failed to be passed on.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

As an extension of Orr's model for a single step in an adaptive walk under these conditions, we show that the fitness rank of the dominant genotype in a population after the fixation of a beneficial mutation is, on average, (i+6)/4, where i is the fitness rank of the starting genotype.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

This can occur when a locus is in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with a beneficial mutation.

Plosone

Because duplicated nGPCRs with a nonpeptide ligand presumably could undergo sub-functionalization or neo-functionalization without concurrent genetic changes in their major interacting partner a property not shared by the majority of genes by default, they would have a greater chance of escaping random gene loss before acquiring a beneficial mutation.

Plosone

In general, the probability of fixation for a newly arising mutation is roughly <img src="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/asset?id=info?doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0004500.e001.PNG" class= inline-graphic"/> in a haploid population [8] (which is roughly 2s for a beneficial mutation), and 1/Ne for a neutral mutation.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about evolution, consider using "a beneficial mutation" to highlight adaptations that improve an organism's survival or reproductive success.

Common error

Avoid assuming that every mutation is either beneficial or harmful; many mutations are neutral and have no immediate effect. The effect of "a beneficial mutation" can also vary based on the environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a beneficial mutation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "beneficial" modifies the noun "mutation". Ludwig examples show it describing genetic changes that provide a positive advantage to an organism. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a beneficial mutation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, particularly in scientific and news contexts, to describe a genetic change that provides an advantage. Ludwig's analysis, along with the provided examples, underscores its usage in discussing evolution, adaptation, and genetic research. Remember to use it accurately, acknowledging that not all mutations are beneficial. Consider alternatives like "advantageous genetic change" or "favorable genetic alteration" for variety. The frequency with which this phrase appears in authoritative sources attests to its validity and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advantageous genetic change

Replaces "mutation" with a more general term for genetic change and "beneficial" with "advantageous".

favorable genetic alteration

Uses "favorable" instead of "beneficial" and "alteration" instead of "mutation".

positive mutation

A more concise way of saying "a beneficial mutation".

adaptive genetic variation

Highlights the adaptive aspect of the mutation.

helpful mutation

Uses a simpler synonym for "beneficial".

evolutionary advantage

Focuses on the outcome of the beneficial mutation.

fitness-enhancing mutation

Emphasizes the increase in fitness conferred by the mutation.

gain-of-function mutation

Describes a mutation that adds a new function.

selective advantage

Highlights the role of selection in favoring the mutation.

fortuitous mutation

Suggests the mutation occurred by chance and has a positive effect.

FAQs

How to use "a beneficial mutation" in a sentence?

You can use "a beneficial mutation" to describe genetic changes that improve an organism's fitness, for example: "The study identified "a beneficial mutation" that conferred resistance to the disease."

What's the difference between "a beneficial mutation" and "a neutral mutation"?

"A beneficial mutation" increases an organism's fitness, while "a neutral mutation" neither increases nor decreases it. The effect of a mutation depends on its context.

What can I say instead of "a beneficial mutation"?

You can use alternatives like "advantageous genetic change", "favorable genetic alteration", or "positive mutation" depending on the context.

Why is "a beneficial mutation" important in evolution?

"A beneficial mutation" provides the raw material for natural selection, allowing organisms to adapt to their environment and increase their chances of survival and reproduction.