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defined:
A permanent structural alteration in DNA. In most cases, DNA changes either have no effect or cause harm, but occasionally a mutation can improve an organism's chance of surviving and passing the beneficial change on to its descendants.
explained:
Listen to a detailed explanation. (Requires the free RealPlayer download) Dr. Francis Collins, former director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, defines mutation.
illustrated:
View illustration
relatedterms:
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
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