Changes

In [[biology]], a '''mutation''' is any physical change in the [[genetic material]] of an [[organism]]. In most organisms, including humans, the genetic material is [[DNA]], while some viruses use [[RNA]]. Mutations can be caused by internal or external factors. In multicellular organisms there are two primary classes of mutation, [[germline mutations]] and [[somatic mutations]]. Germline mutations are those changes that can be passed down to offspring, while somatic mutations are mutations that only alter genetic material in the mutated organism. Somatic mutations are the root cause of [[cancer]]. There is some evidence that changes outside of the cell's genetic material, such as the [[cytoplasm]], [[proteins]], or the cell [[membrane]] can also be inherited.  

In [[biology]], a '''mutation''' is any physical change in the [[gene]]tic material of an [[organism]]. In most organisms, including humans, the genetic material is [[DNA]], while some viruses use [[RNA]]. Mutations can be caused by internal or external factors. In multicellular organisms there are two primary classes of mutation, [[germline mutations]] and [[somatic mutations]]. Germline mutations are those changes that can be passed down to offspring, while somatic mutations are mutations that only alter genetic material in the mutated organism. Somatic mutations are the root cause of [[cancer]]. There is some evidence that changes outside of the cell's genetic material, such as the [[cytoplasm]], [[proteins]], or the cell [[membrane]] can also be inherited.  

Common external factors include [[ultraviolet]] radiation, chemical [[mutagens]], or parasitic organisms (such as [[viruses]] or [[bacteria]]). Most internal causes of mutations stem from errors in reproduction of genetic material.  

Common external factors include [[ultraviolet]] radiation, chemical [[mutagens]], or parasitic organisms (such as [[viruses]] or [[bacteria]]). Most internal causes of mutations stem from errors in reproduction of genetic material.