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mutation

noun

1. (general) a change in or the process of changing, e.g. nature, form or quality

2. (genetics) a permanent, heritable change in the nucleotide sequence in a gene or a chromosome; the process in which such a change occurs in a gene or in a chromosome

3. a mutant, or an individual exhibiting such a change

In genetics, mutation may be small scale (affecting the nucleotide sequence of a gene) or large scale (involving a change in the chromosome). It may arise from faulty deletions, insertions, or exchanges of nucleotides in the genetic material, as caused by exposure to ultraviolet or ionizing radiation, chemical mutagens, viruses, etc. Such a change may result in the creation of a new character or trait.

Origin: L. Mutatio from mutare = to change (biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration.