spontaneous mutation
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Related to spontaneous mutation: induced mutation
spon·ta·ne·ous mu·ta·tion
a mutation that arises naturally and not as a result of exposure to mutagens.
Synonym(s): natural mutation
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
spon·ta·ne·ous mu·ta·tion
(spon-tā'nē-ŭs myū-tā'shŭn)A mutation that arises naturally and not as a result of exposure to mutagens.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
spontaneous mutation
a MUTATION occurring in the absence of a known mutagen. In humans, a typical rate of spontaneous mutation is between 1× 10-5 and 1×10-6 mutations per gamete formed. The rate varies considerably between different organisms, perhaps reflecting different DNA repair systems at work.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005