Mutation

A change to the DNA sequence in the cell. Mutations can be caused by errors during cell division, or they can be caused by exposure to substances harmful to DNA (free radicals, asbestos, etc.). Mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect. When they appear in egg or sperm cells, they can be inherited. If mutations occur in other types of cells, they are not inherited and are called somatic mutations. Mutations can lead to cancer or other diseases.