Answer: Mutations are alterations in the DNA sequence which result in permanent changes in the genetic message encoded in the DNA.
Explanation: The changes in the nucleotide sequence of the DNA can be as a result of insertion, deleted or substitution of one or more base pairs in the DNA sequence. When one or more nucleotides are inserted to a DNA sequence, the mutation is called addition or insertion, if one or more nucleotides are deleted, it is said to be deletion and when one or more nucleotides are replaced by another, it is said to be substitution mutation. Other types of mutation occur as a result of spontaneous loss of the exocyclic amino groups of the nitrogenous bases in a reaction known as deamination; and the hydrolysis of the glycosyl bond between the base and deoxyribose.
