Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mutation'

English Word: mutation

Key Russian Translations:

• Мутация [muˈtaʦɨjə] - [Formal, Scientific context]
• Изменение [ɪzmʲɪˈnʲenʲɪje] - [Informal, General use]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific and biological discussions, less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of scientific terminology, but basic forms are accessible to upper-intermediate learners)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Мутация: [muˈtaʦɨjə]

Note on Мутация: The stress falls on the third syllable; the 'т' is pronounced as a soft 'ts' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers used to dental 't' sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Biological change in genetics

Translation(s) & Context:

• Мутация - Used in formal scientific contexts to describe a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence.
• Изменение - Informal alternative in educational settings, implying a broader change but less specific to genetics.

Usage Examples:

• Эта мутация может привести к новым свойствам вируса.

  This mutation can lead to new properties in the virus.

• Учёные изучают генетические мутации для лечения рака.

  Scientists are studying genetic mutations for cancer treatment.

• Мутация в ДНК иногда происходит случайно.

  A mutation in DNA sometimes occurs by chance.

• В результате мутации растение приобрело устойчивость к засухе.

  As a result of the mutation, the plant acquired drought resistance.

General alteration or variation

Translation(s) & Context:

• Изменение - Applied in everyday language for non-scientific changes, such as in language or behavior.

Usage Examples:

• Это изменение в правилах игры вызвало споры.

  This change in the game rules caused controversy.

• Мутация языка происходит со временем под влиянием культуры.

  Language mutation occurs over time under cultural influence.

• В искусстве мутация стилей часто приводит к инновациям.

  In art, the mutation of styles often leads to innovations.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Мутация is a feminine noun (ж. р.) and follows the standard third declension pattern in Russian. It has regular inflections based on case and number.

Изменение is a neuter noun (с. р.) with regular inflections similar to other neuter nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Вариация (variation; more neutral and less scientific)
  • Модификация (modification; implies intentional change)
• Antonyms:
  • Стабильность (stability; used in contexts where change is absent)
  • Константа (constant; for unchanging elements)

Related Phrases:

• Генетическая мутация - Genetic mutation; refers to changes in hereditary material.
• Спонтанная мутация - Spontaneous mutation; occurs without external causes.
• Мутация в эволюции - Mutation in evolution; discusses role in natural selection.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "мутация" is primarily used in scientific or technical contexts and directly corresponds to the English "mutation" in biology. For everyday language, "изменение" might be more appropriate to avoid sounding overly formal. Be mindful of the noun's gender and case when constructing sentences, as Russian requires agreement. When choosing between translations, opt for "мутация" in academic writing and "изменение" in casual discussions.

Common Errors:

• English speakers often misuse the word order or forget case endings. For example, incorrectly saying "мутация в ген" instead of "мутация в гене" (error: missing genitive case). Correct: Use genitive for the object, e.g., "мутация в гене" means "mutation in the gene".

• Confusing with similar words: Mixing up "мутация" with "мутирование" (mutating process). Error: "Я мутация" (wrong, as it's a noun). Correct: "Это мутация" to state "This is a mutation".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and scientific history, terms like "мутация" gained prominence during the Soviet era in genetics research, influenced by figures like Nikolai Vavilov. It often carries connotations of innovation and adaptation, reflecting Russia's emphasis on scientific advancement in biology.

Related Concepts:

• Эволюция (evolution)
• Генетика (genetics)
• Вариант (variant)