Changes

In [[biology]], '''mutations''' are  changes to the [[base pair]] sequence of [[genetic material]] (either [[DNA]] or [[RNA]]). Mutations can be caused by copying errors in the genetic material during [[cell division]] and by exposure to [[ultraviolet]] or [[ionizing radiation|ionizing]] radiation, chemical [[mutagens]], or [[virus (biology)|viruses]], or can occur deliberately under cellular control during processes such as [[meiosis]] or [[hypermutation]]. In multicellular organisms, mutations can be subdivided into ''[[germline mutation]]s'', which can be passed on to descendants, and ''[[somatic mutation]]s''. The somatic mutations cannot be transmitted to descendants in animals. Plants sometimes can transmit somatic mutations to their descendants asexually or sexually (in case when flower buds develop in somatically mutated part of plant).

In [[biology]], '''mutations''' are  changes to the [[base pair]] sequence of [[genetic material]] (either [[DNA]] or [[RNA]]). Mutations can be caused by copying errors in the genetic material during [[cell division]] and by exposure to [[ultraviolet]] or [[ionizing radiation|ionizing]] radiation, chemical [[mutagens]], or [[virus (biology)|viruses]], or can occur deliberately under cellular control during processes such as [[meiosis]] or [[hypermutation]]. In multicellular organisms, mutations can be subdivided into ''[[germline mutation]]s'', which can be passed on to descendants, and ''[[somatic mutation]]s''. The somatic mutations cannot be transmitted to descendants in animals. Plants sometimes can transmit somatic mutations to their descendants asexually or sexually (in case when flower buds develop in somatically mutated part of plant).

==Classification==

==Classification==

[[Image:Types-of-mutation.png|right|thumb|An illustration of five types of chromosomal mutations.]]

[[Image:Landrieu.jpg|right|thumb|An illustration of five types of chromosomal mutations.]]

===By effect on structure===

===By effect on structure===

The sequence of a gene can be altered in a number of ways. Gene mutations have varying effects on health depending on where they occur and whether they alter the function of essential proteins. Structurally, mutations can be classified as:

The sequence of a gene can be altered in a number of ways. Gene mutations have varying effects on health depending on where they occur and whether they alter the function of essential proteins. Structurally, mutations can be classified as: