
Mutation | Definition, Causes, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Jan 16, 2026 · 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 …
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] . Mutations result from errors during replication, mitosis, meiosis, or …
Mutation
3 days 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 …
Mutations - Understanding Evolution
Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful for the organism, but mutations do not “try” to supply what the organism “needs.” In this respect, mutations are random — whether a particular mutation …
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 …
What Is a Genetic Mutation? Definition & Types - Cleveland Clinic
May 24, 2022 · 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 …
What is a Mutation? Understanding DNA Changes and Their ...
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 Are Genetic Mutations, Their Causes, and Effects?
Aug 4, 2025 · A mutation is like a change in this recipe, such as a misplaced ingredient or an altered instruction. These changes can range from a single “letter” (nucleotide) being swapped for another, …
Genetic Mutation: Definition, Types, Functions, and More - Health
Dec 19, 2025 · A genetic mutation is an alteration in the genetic code found in DNA. Mutations can be harmful, neutral, or helpful and play a role in evolution.
Mutation – Types, Causes, Mechanisms, Agents, Importance
Sep 11, 2024 · What is Mutation? Mutation refers to a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence of a gene or chromosome. This change can occur due to intrinsic factors, such as errors during DNA …