Genetic Mutations: Closer than you think

Despite what you may think, mutation is a good thing.

Mutation, which is simply a genetic change, is responsible for all phenotypic variation. Variation in flower colors and plant height, the flavor of different varieties of apples, the differences among dog breeds, all of these were created by the natural process of mutation. Mutation occurs all the time, spontaneously and pretty much randomly.

 

Unfortunately, like many good things, mutations can be bad. It can disrupt normal gene activity and cause disease such as cancer and birth defects, to name a few.