Mutation | Definition, Causes, Types, Facts | Britannica Because mutations are random changes, they are expected to be mostly deleterious, but some may be beneficial in certain environments In general, mutation is the main source of genetic variation, which is the raw material for evolution by natural selection
Mutation - Wikipedia Mutations may or may not produce detectable changes in the observable characteristics (phenotype) of an organism Mutations play a part in both normal and abnormal biological processes including: evolution, cancer, and the development of the immune system, including junctional diversity
Mutations - Understanding Evolution Mutations are random 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 happens or not is unrelated to how useful that mutation would be Not all mutations matter to evolution
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 a Genetic Mutation and Why Does It Matter? Some mutations affect just one gene, while others span entire chromosomes Importantly, mutations can occur in somatic cells (non-reproductive cells) or germ cells (sperm and eggs)
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