Mut: From 1 Different Sources
(Egyptian) In mythology, the creator goddess
A chemical or physical agent that has the property of increasing the rate of MUTATION among CELLS. A mutagen does not usually increase the range of mutations. Chemicals, ionising radiation, and viruses may act as mutagens.... mutagen
A change occurring in the genetic material (DNA) in the CHROMOSOMES of a cell. It is caused by a fault in the replication of a cell’s genetic material when it divides to form two daughter cells. Mutations may occur in somatic cells which may result in a local growth of the new type of cells. These may be destroyed by the body’s defence mechanism or they may develop into a tumour. If mutation occurs in a germ cell or gamete – the organism’s sex cells – the outcome may be a changed inherited characteristic in succeeding generations. Mutations occur rarely, but a small steady number are caused by background radiation in the environment. They are also caused by mutagens (see MUTAGEN). (See also GENETIC DISORDERS.)... mutation
See under VOICE AND SPEECH.... mutism
See CIRCUMCISION.... female genital mutilation (fgm)
(Latin) In mythology, the personification of silence Mute, Mutah, Muteh... muta
(Arabic) One who is pure; chaste Mutehara, Mutehharah, Muteharra, Muteharah... mutehhara
(female circumcision) removal of the clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora for cultural reasons. The extent of excision varies between countries and ethnic groups. The anatomically least damaging form is clitoridectomy (removal of the clitoris); the next form entails excision of the prepuce, clitoris, and all or part of the labia minora. The most extensive form, infibulation, involves excision of clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora. The vulval lips are sutured together and a piece of wood or reed is inserted to preserve a small passage for urine and menstrual fluid. In the majority of women who are circumcised, *episiotomy, often extensive, is required to allow delivery of a child. FGM removes most of the possibility of sexual pleasure for a woman, is unethical, and in children is a form of *child abuse: it is prohibited under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003.... female genital mutilation
adj. affected by or showing the effects of a mutation. —mutant n.... mutant
n. the intimate but not necessarily obligatory association between two different species of organism in which there is mutual aid and benefit. Compare symbiosis.... mutualism