stökkbreyting
Stökkbreyting is an Icelandic term that translates to "gene mutation." It refers to a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. This alteration can range from a single DNA building block, called a nucleotide, to a large segment of a chromosome that includes multiple genes. Gene mutations can occur spontaneously during DNA replication or be caused by environmental factors such as radiation or certain chemicals.
The consequences of a stökkbreyting can vary widely. Some mutations may have no observable effect on an