Transition vs. Transversion — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 22, 2023
Transition refers to a change from one state to another, often gradual. Transversion, in genetics, is a point mutation where a purine is replaced with a pyrimidine or vice versa.
Difference Between Transition and Transversion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Transition generally refers to the process or period of changing from one state to another. It could be a gradual process or an abrupt shift, encompassing various fields from physics to life stages. Transversion is more specific and is mainly used in the context of genetics to refer to a certain type of point mutation in DNA.
Transition can occur in countless scenarios, be it in education, career, or even seasonal changes. It is a versatile term. Transversion, however, is particularly used to describe a nucleotide change from a purine to a pyrimidine or vice versa in a DNA sequence.
Transition is more of an umbrella term that can be applied to many contexts. Transversion is a specialized term that has a particular relevance in molecular biology. While the term 'transition' could be used in the discussion of changes in an individual's life, 'transversion' would be more likely to appear in a scientific journal.
Transition is often a topic in psychology, management, and human development. Transversion, however, finds its place mainly in biology textbooks and scientific literature. Transition relates to natural, social, or induced changes, whereas transversion refers to a very specific biochemical change.
In summary, while transition has a broad range of applications from daily language to scientific literature, transversion is specifically used to describe a type of point mutation in genetics.
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Comparison Chart
Context
General
Genetics-specific
Nature
Broad
Specific
Field of Study
Various
Molecular Biology
Linguistic Use
Common
Technical
Application
Changes in state
Type of point mutation
Compare with Definitions
Transition
Change from one state to another.
The transition from summer to fall is gradual.
Transversion
In genetics, a base pair alteration.
Transversion is less common than transition mutations.
Transition
Stage between changes.
Adolescence is a transition period.
Transversion
Genetic modification.
Transversion mutations are often deleterious.
Transition
Musical modulation.
The transition in the song was seamless.
Transversion
Point mutation type.
The transversion caused a significant change in the protein.
Transition
In film, a cut between scenes.
The transition added drama to the movie.
Transversion
Purine to pyrimidine change.
A transversion mutation was identified in the gene.
Transition
The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another
A transition to multiparty democracy
Students in transition from one programme to another
Transversion
Biochemical change.
Transversions can be caused by mutagens.
Transition
Undergo or cause to undergo a process or period of transition
He transitioned into filmmaking easily
A firm specializing in transitioning companies from old technologies to new ones
Transversion
Transversion, in molecular biology, refers to a point mutation in DNA in which a single (two ring) purine (A or G) is changed for a (one ring) pyrimidine (T or C), or vice versa. A transversion can be spontaneous, or it can be caused by ionizing radiation or alkylating agents.
Transition
Change from one form, state, style, or place to another.
Transversion
A point mutation in which a purine is replaced by a pyrimidine, or a pyrimidine is replaced by a purine.
Transition
Change from one subject to another in discourse.
Transversion
(genetics) A point mutation in which a purine is replaced with a pyrimidine, or vice versa
Transition
A word, phrase, sentence, or series of sentences connecting one part of a discourse to another.
Transversion
(literature) The changing from prose into verse, or verse into prose.
Transition
Change from one key or tonality to another.
Transversion
The act of changing from prose into verse, or from verse into prose.
Transition
A passage connecting two themes or sections, usually changing to a new key or tonality.
Transition
(Genetics) A point mutation in which a pyrimidine is replaced by another pyrimidine, or a purine is replaced by another purine.
Transition
(Sports) The process of changing from defense to offense or offense to defense without a stoppage in play, as in basketball or hockey.
Transition
A period during childbirth that precedes the expulsive phase of labor, characterized by strong uterine contractions and nearly complete cervical dilation.
Transition
To make a transition.
Transition
(Sports) To change from defense to offense or offense to defense without a stoppage in play.
Transition
The process of change from one form, state, style or place to another.
Transition
A word or phrase connecting one part of a discourse to another.
Transition
(music) A brief modulation; a passage connecting two themes.
Transition
(music) A change of key.
Transition
(genetics) A point mutation in which one base is replaced by another of the same class (purine or pyrimidine); compare transversion.
Transition
A change from defense to attack, or attack to defense.
Transition
(medicine) The onset of the final stage of childbirth.
Transition
(education) Professional special education assistance for children or adults in the process of leaving one educational environment or support program for another to relatively more independent living.
Transition
(skating) A change between forward and backward motion without stopping.
Transition
(LGBT) The process or act of changing from one gender role to another, or of bringing one's outward appearance in line with one's internal gender identity.
Transition
(aviation) A published procedure for instrument flight, coming between the departure and en-route phases of flight, or between en-route flight and an approach/landing procedure.
Transition
(euphemistic) Death; passing from life into death.
Transition
(intransitive) To make a transition.
Transition
(transitive) To bring through a transition; to change.
The soldier was transitioned from a combat role to a strategic role.
Transition
To change from one gender role to another, or bring one's outward appearance in line with one's internal gender identity.
Transition
Passage from one place or state to another; charge; as, the transition of the weather from hot to cold.
There is no death, what seems so is transition.
Transition
A direct or indirect passing from one key to another; a modulation.
Transition
A passing from one subject to another.
[He] with transition sweet, new speech resumes.
Transition
Change from one form to another.
Transition
The act of passing from one state or place to the next
Transition
An event that results in a transformation
Transition
A change from one place or state or subject or stage to another
Transition
A musical passage moving from one key to another
Transition
A passage that connects a topic to one that follows
Transition
Process of change.
The transition in leadership was smooth.
Common Curiosities
Can transition refer to good or bad changes?
Yes, transition can refer to either positive or negative changes.
Is transversion a common term?
No, it's a specialized term mainly used in molecular biology.
Can transversions be reversed?
Generally, they are permanent changes in the DNA sequence.
Is transversion specific to genetics?
Yes, transversion is mainly used in genetics to describe a point mutation.
Are transversions always harmful?
Not always; the impact varies depending on the context.
Is transition a broad term?
Yes, transition refers to a wide range of changes.
Is transition a scientific term?
It can be, but it's also used in everyday language.
Does transition have synonyms?
Yes, like "change," "shift," or "transformation."
Can transition be observed?
Often, yes. Many transitions are observable.
Is transversion synonymous with transition mutation?
No, they are two different types of point mutations.
Can transition occur in inanimate objects?
Yes, like the transition between seasons or phases of matter.
Does transition always imply a gradual change?
No, transitions can be either gradual or abrupt.
Are transversions common in genetics?
They are less common than transition mutations.
Is transversion a naturally occurring phenomenon?
It can occur naturally but can also be induced by mutagens.
Do both terms have Latin roots?
Yes, "transition" comes from "transire," and "transversion" from "transvertere."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
