Mutation | Definition, Causes, Types, Facts | Britannica Mutation, an alteration in the genetic material (the genome) of a cell of a living organism or of a virus that is more or less permanent and that can be transmitted to the cell’s or the virus’s descendants
Mutation A mutation is a change in a DNA sequence Mutations can result from DNA copying mistakes made during cell division, exposure to ionizing radiation, exposure to chemicals called mutagens, or infection by viruses
What is Mutation? - University of Utah Mutation creates slightly different versions of the same genes, called alleles These small differences in DNA sequence make every individual unique They account for the variation we see in human hair color, skin color, height, shape, behavior, and susceptibility to disease
Genetic Mutations: Types, Causes, and Cellular Repair Mechanisms Genetic mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can significantly affect an organism’s health and development These alterations can occur spontaneously or be induced by environmental factors, leading to outcomes ranging from benign variations to serious genetic disorders
The causes of mutations - Understanding Evolution Mutations – changes in the genetic sequence of DNA or RNA – are the raw material for evolution Natural selection, genetic drift, and other evolutionary processes act on genetic variation – and that genetic variation starts with mutation
mutation | Learn Science at Scitable - Nature A mutation is a change in a genetic sequence Mutations include changes as small as the substitution of a single DNA building block, or nucleotide base, with another nucleotide base
Genetic Mutations: Causes, Types and Effects Understanding the causes, types, and consequences of genetic mutations is essential for comprehending many biological processes and diseases Mutations can occur due to several factors, broadly categorized into internal and external causes