mutation

the act or process of mutating; change; alteration

a change or alteration

a change in the chromosomes or genes of a cell. When this change occurs in the gametes the structure and development of the resultant offspring may be affected See also inversion

another word for mutant

a physical characteristic of an individual resulting from this type of chromosomal change

phonetics

1. (in Germanic languages) another name for umlaut

2. (in Celtic languages) a phonetic change in certain initial consonants caused by a preceding word

A change in the structure of the genes or chromosomes of an organism. Mutations occurring in the reproductive cells, such as an egg or sperm, can be passed from one generation to the next. Most mutations occur in junk DNA and have no discernible effects on the survivability of an organism. Of the remaining mutations, the majority have harmful effects, while a minority can increase an organism's ability to survive. A mutation that benefits a species may evolve by means of natural selection into a trait shared by some or all members of the species.

See Note at sickle cell anemia