wild type

genetics

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July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

In genetics, the wild type refers to the standard or most common form of a gene, genotype, or phenotype found in a natural population of organisms. Scientists use the wild type as a baseline to compare against mutant forms.12

A mutation is a random change in a gene's sequence. When a mutation occurs, it can alter the genetic code. Scientists study mutations by comparing them to the wild type. A change from the wild type to a mutant form is called a forward mutation, while a change from a mutant form back to the wild type is known as a back mutation or reversion.2

The study of molecular genetics has revealed that genes, located on chromosomes, are the units of inheritance. These genes are composed of DNA, and errors in DNA copying can lead to mutations if not repaired.2

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heredity
Gene mutation
…in natural populations, called the wild type, as the standard against which to compare a mutant allele. Mutation can occur in two directions; mutation from wild type to mutant is called a forward mutation, and mutation from mutant to wild type is called a back mutation or reversion.
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…in natural populations, called the wild type, as the standard against which to compare a mutant allele. Mutation can occur in two directions; mutation from wild type to mutant is called a forward mutation, and mutation from mutant to wild type is called a back mutation or reversion.
Read More