muration

Muration is a term used in biology to describe the process of mutation, which is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. These changes can occur spontaneously or be induced by external factors called mutagens. Mutations can arise in various ways, including alterations in single DNA bases, insertions or deletions of nucleotides, or larger structural rearrangements of chromosomes. The effects of muration can range from being completely neutral to having significant impacts on an organism's phenotype, influencing traits like physical characteristics or susceptibility to diseases. While often associated with negative consequences, mutations are also the fundamental source of genetic variation, driving evolution and adaptation over time. The study of muration, or mutation, is crucial for understanding genetic disorders, cancer development, and the evolutionary history of life.