Final answer:
A gene mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can be inherited and affect an organism's phenotype. These mutations can be neutral, beneficial, or harmful, and they play a crucial role in evolution and the occurrence of genetic disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
A gene mutation is a heritable alteration in the DNA sequence of an organism. These mutations can be caused by errors during DNA replication, exposure to environmental factors like radiation or toxic chemicals, or even viruses. When mutations occur, they can affect the structure and function of proteins because genes are responsible for encoding proteins. A common type of mutation is the point mutation, which includes the addition, deletion, or substitution of a single nucleotide.
There are different consequences of these mutations based on where they occur and how they change the genetic code. Somatic mutations affect only body cells, while germline mutations occur in reproductive cells and can be inherited by offspring. These genetic alterations can be neutral, beneficial, or harmful, influencing an individual's phenotype. In some cases, severe mutations can lead to genetic disorders or diseases.