What is a genetic mutation?

• A. An inheritable change in the nucleotide sequence of an organism's DNA that ultimately serves as a source of genetic diversity
• B. A temporary change in environmental conditions
• C. The process of translating RNA into protein
• D. A mutation in RNA rather than DNA

Answer: (A)

A genetic mutation is an inheritable change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA that can create or alter genetic variation. This means the change can be passed from parent to offspring if it occurs in germ cells, and it can include substitutions, insertions, deletions, or more complex rearrangements. Because mutations alter the information in DNA, they can affect how genes work and how traits are inherited, providing the raw material for evolution and diversity in populations.

The other statements don’t describe a genetic mutation. A temporary change in environmental conditions isn’t a DNA sequence change. Translating RNA into protein is a normal cellular process, not a DNA sequence modification. An RNA-level mutation changes RNA rather than DNA and is not typically inherited in the way genetic mutations of DNA are.