rate of mutation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rate of mutation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to genetics, biology, or evolutionary studies to describe how frequently mutations occur in a given population or organism over time. Example: "The rate of mutation in this species has increased due to environmental stressors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Apparently aspirin slows that rate of mutation.

The New York Times

Between-line variability in the rate of mutation accumulation.

Nature

These RNA viruses, which include influenza and H.I.V. as well as SARS, have a high rate of mutation.

The New York Times

But if a virus's rate of mutation gets too high, mathematical studies suggest, it will suffer.

The New York Times - Science

Work from Japan revealed apoptosis proceeds normally and work from Canada revealed no significant increase in the rate of mutation.

Advances in Space Research

He found that adjusting the parameters of each new algorithm – the starting population size or the rate of mutation, for example – smoothed out a few wrinkles.

MIT Technology Review

The major antigenic component of this virus is a surface-membrane-inserted glycoprotein (gp120), which has a startling rate of mutation.

Britannica

They found that genes involved in chromatin modification were commonly mutated, including ARID1A encoding an SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex component that had a high rate of mutation.

Nature

The high rate of mutation in bacterial reproduction poses as an unavoidable challenge to the immune system, but it comes with a fitness cost for the bacteria.

University of California, Berkeley

The rate of mutation can be enhanced by the addition of chemicals called mutagens or by radiation.

Bioprocess Engineering Kinetics, Sustainability, and Reactor Design

Changes in Earth's environment are expected to alter the ecological niches or selective pressures that affect the rate of mutation and the rate at which various species are able to evolve.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "rate of mutation", consider specifying the context, such as the organism, gene, or environmental conditions, as mutation rates can vary significantly.

Common error

Avoid using "mutation frequency" and "rate of mutation" interchangeably without understanding the context. While related, "mutation frequency" often refers to the proportion of mutants in a population, whereas "rate of mutation" specifies the probability of a mutation occurring per unit of time or replication cycle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rate of mutation" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely recognized and utilized within different kind of texts. Examples show it describing the speed at which genetic changes occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

19%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rate of mutation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase, primarily employed in scientific and news contexts to describe the frequency of genetic changes. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable term. Key related phrases include "mutation frequency" and "mutation rate". When using this phrase, it's important to specify the context for clarity and avoid confusing it with "mutation frequency". Understanding factors influencing mutation rates and their measurement methods is crucial in scientific discourse. The phrase is characterized by a formal and scientific register, reflecting its prevalence in research and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutation frequency

Replaces "rate" with "frequency", emphasizing how often mutations occur.

mutation rate

A more concise alternative, omitting "of" but maintaining the same meaning.

mutation accumulation rate

Highlights the process of mutations building up over time.

speed of mutation

Replaces "rate" with "speed", focusing on how quickly mutations arise.

frequency of mutations

Similar to "mutation frequency", but explicitly pluralizing "mutations".

mutational tempo

A more formal or technical term indicating the pace of mutations.

mutation occurrence rate

Emphasizes that it's the rate at which mutations are occurring.

mutation dynamics

Focuses on the changing patterns and processes of mutation.

evolutionary rate

Connects the mutation rate to the broader concept of evolutionary change.

genetic drift speed

Indicates random fluctuations in the frequency of gene variants and the pace at which genetic variations change due to chance.

FAQs

How is the "rate of mutation" measured in a population?

The "rate of mutation" is typically measured by observing the number of new mutations that arise in a population over a specific period, often normalized by the number of genes or nucleotides at risk. Various molecular techniques are used to detect and quantify these mutations.

What factors can influence the "rate of mutation"?

Several factors can influence the "rate of mutation", including exposure to mutagens (like radiation or certain chemicals), the efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms, and the presence of specific genetic elements. Additionally, some organisms, like RNA viruses, naturally have higher mutation rates.

What is the difference between "rate of mutation" and "mutation frequency"?

While related, the "rate of mutation" refers to the probability of a mutation occurring per unit of time or replication, whereas "mutation frequency" refers to the proportion of mutants within a population. They are distinct but connected measures of genetic change.

Why do some viruses have a high "rate of mutation"?

Some viruses, particularly RNA viruses like HIV and influenza, have a high "rate of mutation" because their replication machinery lacks the proofreading mechanisms present in DNA-based organisms. This leads to more errors during replication and, consequently, a higher mutation rate, which aids in their adaptation and evasion of the immune system.