Final answer:
Mutations are classified into germline or somatic mutations, with germline mutations being inherited. They are also characterized by the type of genetic change, including point mutations, chromosomal alterations, and frameshift mutations, and can occur spontaneously or due to external factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classification of Mutations
Mutations can be classified in several ways based on different criteria. They can be categorized as either germline mutations or somatic mutations. Germline mutations occur in sex cells (gametes) and can be inherited by offspring, affecting every cell in their body. Somatic mutations, on the other hand, occur in body cells and are not passed to offspring.
Mutations can also be defined by the type of genetic alteration they cause, which includes:
- Point mutations - where a single nucleotide is altered, which includes silent, missense, and nonsense mutations.
- Chromosomal alterations - which can involve large segments of DNA or whole chromosomes.
- Frameshift mutations - caused by insertion or deletion of nucleotides, which alter the reading frame of the gene.
In addition, mutations have various origins, such as spontaneous occurrence or being induced by external factors.