mutation rate

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mutation rate The number of mutation events per gene per unit of time (e.g. per cell generation). The term is also applied to the frequency with which mutation events occur in a given species or to the frequency with which a specified mutation event or mutational class occurs in a given population. Normally mutations occur at a constant, very low, rate: this rate can be greatly increased by irradiation with X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, etc., or by treatment with carcinogens. See also MUTAGEN.

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