if a mutation arises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if a mutation arises" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing genetics, biology, or evolutionary theory when referring to the occurrence of a mutation. Example: "If a mutation arises in the gene, it could lead to significant changes in the organism's traits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If a mutation arises in the gene that codes for the product that the host recognizes, the gene product will be altered and the host will no longer be able to resist the parasite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When beneficial mutations are extremely rare, each mutation may reach fixation before a competitor arises.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If and when a mutation arises that stops them giving something for nothing, it should spread rapidly.

The Economist

(A) If a detrimental mutation arises, the mutated cell will die and the mutation will not be propagated in culture.

Protein & Cell

We also neglect the effects of deleterious future mutations, which are small (if a deleterious mutation arises after the target mutation, this deleterious mutation cannot prevent fixation of the target mutation).

Genetics

Soft sweeps can occur, for example, if an adaptive mutation arises repeatedly on different haplotypes, which is expected to be common in viruses with large population sizes and high mutation rates such as HIV, where every single point mutation can arise many times each generation.

Genetics

If a rare beneficial mutation arises and becomes sufficiently frequent, it will expand rapidly until it is present in all individuals of the population.

Genetics

The simulations begin in the first generation after a point mutation arises in the population.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

This assumes that if the advantageous mutation arises before the different populations diverged, then the same haplotype form will be identified to carry the advantageous allele across the different populations and we will thus expect a significant degree of similarity in the identified haplotype forms.

BMC Genomics

A sweep is hard in a population sample if all individuals in that sample coalesce before a second adaptive mutation arises and soft otherwise.

Genetics

This percentage is much higher than what would be expected if the mutation arose de novo, or was inherited as either a recessive or sex-linked gene.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the potential effects of mutations, clearly specify which gene or region of the genome the mutation affects.

Common error

Avoid stating that "if a mutation arises, it will always cause harm". Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful depending on the context and the specific change in the DNA sequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if a mutation arises" functions as a conditional clause, setting up a hypothetical situation in genetics. It introduces a scenario where a genetic mutation occurs, leading to the discussion of potential consequences. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if a mutation arises" is a conditional clause used to introduce hypothetical scenarios related to genetic mutations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its usage is most common in scientific contexts, as shown by the prevalence of examples from scientific journals and encyclopedias. Alternatives like "should a mutation occur" or "when a mutation happens" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. It's important to avoid overgeneralizing the effects of mutations, as they can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful, based on their specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if a genetic alteration occurs

Substitutes "mutation" with a synonym, "genetic alteration", maintaining the conditional structure.

assuming a mutation occurs

Similar to "if", but emphasizes the assumption being made for the sake of argument.

should a mutation occur

Emphasizes possibility and formal tone, differing from the original's more direct conditional statement.

if a variation in the genome arises

Replaces "mutation" with a more descriptive phrase, "variation in the genome", specifying the location.

in the event of a mutation arising

Adds formality and focuses on a specific incident, rather than a general possibility.

given that a mutation arises

Highlights the premise or condition upon which further consequences depend.

when a mutation happens

Changes the conditional to a temporal clause, focusing on the timing of the mutation.

on the condition that a mutation arises

Introduces a more formal tone, specifying a strict requirement for subsequent events.

if a mutation presents itself

This alternative adds a sense of emergence or manifestation.

when a mutation is observed

Shifts the focus to the observation of a mutation, rather than its mere occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "if a mutation arises" in a sentence?

You can use "if a mutation arises" to introduce a hypothetical scenario concerning genetic changes, such as: "If a mutation arises in a critical gene, it could disrupt essential cellular processes."

What are some alternatives to saying "if a mutation arises"?

Alternatives include "should a mutation occur", "in the event of a mutation arising", or "when a mutation happens", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "when a mutation arises" instead of "if a mutation arises"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they imply slightly different meanings. "If a mutation arises" suggests a conditional scenario, while "when a mutation arises" implies that a mutation is expected to occur at some point.

What implications does the phrase "if a mutation arises" carry in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "if a mutation arises" often sets the stage for discussing potential consequences, mechanisms of action, or evolutionary implications related to genetic variability.