frameshift mutation

noun

A genetic mutation that either inserts or deletes a number of nucleotides that is not divisible by three (i.e., a non-integer number of codons), altering the reading frame of the portion of the gene downstream of the mutation and causing it to code for a completely different protein sequence.

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Meanings

nounframeshift mutation (countable and uncountable, plural frameshift mutations)

plural frameshift mutations

  1. countableuncountablebiologyA genetic mutation that either inserts or deletes a number of nucleotides that is not divisible by three (i.e., a non-integer number of codons), altering the reading frame of the portion of the gene downstream of the mutation and causing it to code for a completely different protein sequence.
Cite this entry
APA

frameshift mutation. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/frameshift%20mutation

MLA

“frameshift mutation.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/frameshift%20mutation. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “frameshift mutation,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/frameshift%20mutation.

Source: frameshift mutation on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.