A genetic mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism that can be inherited or acquired. DNA is the carrier of all our genes, and each person gets one copy of DNA from their mother and one copy from their father. DNA creates a code using four chemicals called nucleotides, which determines which genes a person has. Mutations can result from errors in DNA replication during cell division, exposure to mutagens, or a viral infection.

There are different types of genetic mutations, including:

• Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): This refers to a single base pair alteration that is common in the population.

• Germline mutations: These occur in eggs and sperm and can be passed on to offspring. Hereditary mutations, such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and sickle cell disease, are in almost every cell of the persons body throughout their life.

• Somatic mutations: These occur in body cells and are not passed on to offspring. Acquired mutations occur in one cell and then are passed on to any new cells that come from that cell.

Mutations can lead to genetic disorders or illnesses, such as cancer, or they could help humans better adapt to their environment over time. Mutations are not always harmful, and some can be beneficial. Mutations are happening in our cells all the time, but almost none of these affect our health because our cells have very sophisticated machinery for repairing mutations very quickly.