description missense mutation
Missense mutation: A genetic change that results in the substitution of one amino acid in protein for another. A missense mutation is responsible for sickle hemoglobin, the molecular basis of sickle cell trait and sickle cell anemia. Search MedTerms:
Definition of Missense Mutation. A mutation is a permanent change in a DNA sequence. DNA is the unit of heredity of all organisms, so this means that mutations can often be passed on to offspring. You probably associate the word mutation with something that is bad, but mutations don't have to be bad.