Mutation

Mutation is a sudden change of a gene or chromosome from one form to another. It produces an alteration in the character under its control. Dobzhansky stated that mutation is a mistake or misprint in cell division. The term mutation was introduced by De Vries.

Genes are exceedingly stable units. They are reproduced and copied exactly during meiosis or gamete formation. Nevertheless mistakes occasionally occur during the copying or replication of genes during meiosis. These mistakes represent mutation. Once a mutation occurs it is then reproduced and copied exactly during meiosis. Mutations are the basis of discontinuous variation in population.