
Mutation | Definition, Causes, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 4, 2025 · 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 …
Mutation - Wikipedia
In biology, a mutation is an alteration in the nucleic acid sequence of the genome of an organism, virus, or extrachromosomal DNA. [1] Viral genomes contain either DNA or RNA.
Mutation
1 day ago · 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 …
What is a mutation and what causes mutations? - YourGenome
A mutation is a change that occurs in our DNA sequence. This can be caused by normal processes inside the cell or by environmental factors, such as UV light.
What is Mutation? - University of Utah
We often refer to a mutation as a thing—the genetic variation itself. This approach can be useful when it comes to a gene associated with a disease: the disease allele carries a mutation, a DNA change that …
What is a Mutation? Understanding DNA Changes and Their Impact …
Apr 17, 2025 · To understand mutation is to appreciate both the fragility and resilience of life. It reveals how a single letter change in a molecule can alter the course of history—or the fate of an individual.
What Is a Genetic Mutation? Definition & Types - Cleveland Clinic
A genetic mutation changes the information your cells need to form and function. Your genes are responsible for making proteins that tell your body what physical characteristics you should have.
DNA and Mutations - Understanding Evolution
A mutation is a change in DNA, the hereditary material of life. An organism’s DNA affects how it looks, how it behaves, and its physiology. So a change in an organism’s DNA can cause changes in all …
Mutation and Types of Mutations - Best Biology Notes
A mutation is a permanent change in the DNA sequence of an organism, affecting a single base, a gene segment, or entire chromosomes, which can alter traits, cause disease, or have no effect.
Mutation as a source of variation (video) | Khan Academy
A great real-world example of a beneficial mutation is sickle cell trait. This mutation, found in populations exposed to malaria, alters the shape of red blood cells. While individuals with two copies of the …