Final answer:
Option (C) Mutations are permanent changes in "DNA that can increase genetic variation". They are often caused by errors during DNA replication or by environmental factors. Mutations can impact protein function and lead to a wide range of biological effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mutations within a DNA sequence are defined as permanent changes to the sequence of bases in DNA. These alterations can arise from various causes. The majority of such changes are due to errors during DNA replication or from the influence of mutagens like environmental toxins, radiation, or viruses. This can result in a range of different mutation types, including substitution, deletion, insertion, and translocation. Mutations are responsible for increasing genetic variation in a population and can affect protein function if they occur within a gene. While most DNA replication errors are corrected by DNA repair mechanisms, those that escape correction can lead to mutations.
Harmful mutations can cause errors in protein sequences, leading to non-functional or partially functional proteins. This can result in various medical conditions if the affected protein is critical for bodily functions. On the other hand, some mutations can be beneficial, providing organisms with evolutionary advantages. Furthermore, mutations that occur during meiosis can lead to genetic variation in offspring, contributing to species diversity.