A mutation is a sudden change in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), the genetic material of life. Mutation is a major evolutionary force that results from wide range of factors and that carries a wide range of results. Mutations may carry no discernable effects or act to significantly increase or decrease genetic variation within a population.

Although some mutations have no visible effects, there are mutations that can cause dramatic changes in an organism's appearance, behavior, or health. Organisms born with mutations can look very different from their parents. Albinism, for example, results from mutations that eliminate skin pigment. Dwarfism can be the result of mutations that affect growth hormones. Mutations are usually harmful, but some may help an organism survive, by proving to be beneficial to the species. Regardless, mutations are a major driving force behind biological change (evolution).

Every cell contains DNA on threadlike structures called chromosomes. Stretches...