Mutations

A mutation can be defined as a permanent change in the DNA. Based on the extent of genetic change, mutations may be classified into three categories:

Genome mutations:
Genome mutations involve loss or gain of whole chromosomes, giving rise to monosomy or trisomy.

Chromosome mutations:
Chromosome mutations result from rear rangement of genetic material and give rise to visible structural changes in the chromosome.

Point mutations:
Point mutations (single base substitution) may alter the code in a triplet of bases and lead to the replacement of one amino acid by another in the gene product.