Mutation

A mutation is a heritable change in a DNA sequence or other genetic material. Mutations can alter a single nucleotide, larger chromosome regions, or whole chromosome numbers.

DNA replication: The cellular process that copies DNA before cell division. Copying errors during replication can create new sequence changes.
DNA: A molecule that stores hereditary information in most organisms. DNA sequence is the substrate for most mutations.
Natural selection: A process in which heritable variants differ in reproductive success. Selection changes the frequencies of mutations that affect reproductive success.
Silent mutation: A DNA sequence change that does not alter the encoded amino acid in a protein. It shows that a sequence change need not change a protein's primary structure.
DNA damage: Chemical or physical alteration of DNA that can disrupt its structure or information. Unrepaired damage can be converted into a mutation during replication.
Gene: A DNA sequence that contributes to a functional product, such as an RNA or protein. Mutations within genes can change their products or regulation.
Genetic drift: Random change in genetic variant frequencies, especially pronounced in small populations. Drift can spread or eliminate mutations regardless of their effects.
Missense mutation: A coding-sequence mutation that changes one amino acid in a protein. Its effects depend on how the substituted amino acid alters protein function.
DNA repair: Cellular processes that detect and correct damage or errors in DNA. Repair systems prevent many DNA lesions and copying errors from becoming mutations.
Chromosome: A DNA molecule packaged with proteins and carrying genetic information. Chromosomal mutations affect structure or number beyond individual genes.

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