Which term describes an alteration in the DNA, which may be passed from generation to generation if it occurs in a gamete?

Which term describes an alteration in the DNA, which may be passed from generation to generation if it occurs in a gamete?

• A. Inbreeding
• B. Gene flow
• C. Mutation
• D. Recombination

Answer: (C)

A change in the DNA sequence that can be inherited if it happens in a gamete is called a mutation. Mutations introduce new genetic variants by altering the sequence itself. If such a change occurs in sperm or egg, it becomes part of the offspring’s genome and can be passed down to future generations, contributing new variation to the population. Inbreeding focuses on mating patterns, not DNA changes. Gene flow describes the movement of genes between populations, not a single DNA alteration. Recombination shuffles existing genetic material during meiosis to create new combinations, but it doesn’t create a new DNA sequence variant by itself and isn’t the same as a heritable mutation.

A change in the DNA sequence that can be inherited if it happens in a gamete is called a mutation. Mutations introduce new genetic variants by altering the sequence itself. If such a change occurs in sperm or egg, it becomes part of the offspring’s genome and can be passed down to future generations, contributing new variation to the population. Inbreeding focuses on mating patterns, not DNA changes. Gene flow describes the movement of genes between populations, not a single DNA alteration. Recombination shuffles existing genetic material during meiosis to create new combinations, but it doesn’t create a new DNA sequence variant by itself and isn’t the same as a heritable mutation.