A mutation is any change in genetic material that is passed on to the next generation. The process of acquiring change in genetic material forms the fundamental underpinning of evolution. Mutation is the source of genetic variation in humans and other life forms. Depending on the organism or the source of the mutation, the genetic alteration may be an alteration in the organized collection of genetic material or a change in the composition of an individual gene.

Mutations may have little impact, or they may produce a significant positive or negative impact, on the health, competitiveness, or function of an individual, family, or population. A recently isolated series of gene mutations has been shown to alter the regulation of electrical activity in nerve cells, which may be the cause of one or more types of inherited epilepsy.

Mutations arise in different ways. An alteration...