Ask Difference

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.
Transition vs. Transversion — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Transition and Transversion

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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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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza 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.
Tayyaba 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.

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