Mutations
Mutation – spontaneous change in the individual’s genetic make-up.
Mutant – an organism that has undergone mutation.
Mutagens are factors that induce mutations, e.g. exposure to radiation like gamma rays and ultraviolet rays and chemicals like colchicine and mustard gas.
Characteristics of Mutations
- Occur naturally
- extremely rare
- arise suddenly
- are unpredictable
- random
Types of Mutations
There are two types of mutations:
- Chromosomal mutations
- Gene mutations