What are mutations in genetic terms?

Mutations refer to changes in the genetic code of genes or chromosomes, and they can occur due to various factors like environmental influences, errors in DNA replication, or through exposure to radiation and chemicals. These alterations can affect a single nucleotide (point mutations), larger segments of DNA (insertions or deletions), or entire genes (chromosomal mutations). Mutations play a critical role in evolution as they introduce genetic diversity, which can lead to the development of new traits within a population.

This is in contrast to the concept of identical copies of genes, which do not encompass any changes or variations. Similarly, stable genes that do not change and inherited traits from parents do not involve new variations or modifications in the genetic material. Thus, defining mutations purely as changes in the genetic code accurately captures their nature and significance in genetics and heredity.