Mutations: How They Affect Cells and Drive Evolution

mutation

A change in a gene that adds variation to the gene pool

Mutation refers to a change that occurs in the DNA sequence within a cell’s genome. Mutations happen spontaneously as a result of errors occurring during DNA replication or due to exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, or viruses.

Mutations can have different effects on the cell, depending on the type, location, and size of the mutation. Some mutations are silent, and they do not change the function or behavior of the affected cell. However, some mutations can be harmful and cause genetic disorders, such as cancer and inherited diseases.

On the positive side, mutations can also create beneficial changes in organisms, such as enhancing their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions and evolving new traits or characteristics that increase the chances of survival. This is how evolution works, and it is driven by mutations that lead to the creation of new variations in genes.

In summary, mutation is a natural process in which the DNA sequence changes, leading to variations in genes. While mutations can have negative consequences, they can also be beneficial and help drive the evolution of species.

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