Mutations
Definition
Mutations are changes in the genetic material of an organism. They can occur naturally or be induced by environmental factors.
Analogy
Think of mutations like typos in a book. If you're typing out a story and accidentally hit the wrong key, you've created a typo - something that wasn't supposed to be there. Just like these typos, mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that weren't originally intended.
Related terms
Genotype: This is the genetic makeup of an individual, including all their genes and DNA sequences.
Phenotype: This refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an individual, which result from the interaction between its genotype and environment.
Allele: An allele is one of two or more versions of a gene that are found at the same place on a chromosome.
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