Mutation

Mutation refers to any changes in the amount or arrangement of genes or nucleotide sequence of a DNA encoding the gene or chromosomes in a cell of an organism. It can take place in any cell of an organism. It may also produce a new characteristic that can be inherited, if it occurs in the gamete. It can also lead to the lost of the gene function or produce the new function. Most of these mutations are recognized as mutants because the phenotype (physical) of the organism has changed. Mutation can be classified as gene mutation and chromosomal mutation while the two types of mutation are spontaneous and induced mutation. The spontaneous mutation occurs naturally while the induced mutation is caused by mutagen such as chemical and radiation. Mutagens are substances or agents that can cause a much high rate of mutation. The process involved is mutagenesis. Mutagens have two types: physical mutagen like UV rays and X-rays, and chemical mutagen like mustard gas.

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