What is a mutation in a genetic context?

In a genetic context, a mutation refers specifically to a change in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome. This alteration can involve a single nucleotide or a larger segment of DNA, which may include deletions, insertions, or substitutions of nucleotides.

Mutations are critical for the evolution of species and contribute to genetic diversity within populations. They can arise naturally during the replication of DNA or as a result of environmental factors. Depending on where they occur and how they affect gene function, mutations can have a variety of effects on the organism, from benign to significant alterations in traits or health. This direct relationship to the DNA sequence distinguishes mutations from other genetic concepts, such as genetic mapping or alterations in protein structure, which are consequences of mutations rather than definitions of them.