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