Question

What is a mutation?
A. Sudden change in morphology
B. Change in characters
C. Change in heritable characters.
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Mutation causes changes in the DNA sequence. It alters the genes during the process of cell division. Mutation can be of many types depending upon the changes occurring in the DNA sequence. The genes which transfer from one generation to another can be altered during the process of gamete formation or gamete fusion.

Complete answer:
Mutation refers to the sudden inheritable changes in the DNA sequences. Hugo-de Vries explains it for the first time. It can lead to the variation among various species. Mutation can be caused by various agents. These mutation causing agents are called mutagens. Mutagens can be physical, chemical, or biological. Physical agents include radiations, chemical agents include bromouracil. biological agents include viruses and bacteria. It can also be caused by error in replication or mistakes in cell division. Changes in the nucleotide sequences occur during cell division.
Mutation can be mainly classified into two main categories: somatic mutation and germline mutations. Somatic mutations occur in the somatic cells (cells not involved in reproduction) for example: skin cells. It cannot transfer to another generation. Germline mutation refers to the mutation in the germ cells. Germ cells are also called reproductive cells. It occurs due to linkage and recombination in genes. Error in replication, transcription or translation can also lead to this type of mutation. On the basis of changes in the DNA sequence there are three types of mutation occur: Mis-sence mutation, nonsense mutation and silent mutation. On the basis of changes of nucleotide bases it can be of two types that is point mutation and frameshift mutation. Single base pair alteration causes point mutation while change in the whole sequence of DNA causes frame-shift mutation.
From the above information we have found that changes in DNA cause mutation or we can say that mutation refers to changes in heritable characters.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Mutation can also play an important role in evolution. Germline mutation plays an important role in the evolution of species. It adds new traits, characters, or species. It can also lead to speciation if the accumulation of multiple mutations in a single pathway of genes occurs. It is also responsible for maintaining biodiversity. DNA polymorphisms can cause genetic variants.