A mutation is
A)a change in a DNA sequence in less than 1% of a population that affects anatomy and/or physiology.
B)a common genetic variant.
C)always beneficial to health.
D)always harmful to health.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A mutation is simply a change in the DNA sequence. It can be beneficial, harmful, or have no effect on an organism. A mutation that affects anatomy and/or physiology may ultimately result in a genetic variant, but not all genetic variants are necessarily mutations. Additionally, not all mutations are common, as they may occur spontaneously or be selected against in a population. Finally, mutations are not always beneficial or harmful - their effect on an organism depends on the specific mutation and the context in which it occurs.

A Mutation Is