What term describes a change in a DNA sequence that affects genetic information?

• A. Gene mutation
• B. Point mutation
• C. Silent mutation
• D. Mutation

Answer: (D)

A mutation is a change in a DNA sequence. This broad term covers any alteration that can change the information that genes carry, whether it happens inside a gene or in regulatory regions, and whether it affects the protein produced or not. The other options refer to more specific kinds of changes: a gene mutation is a mutation that involves a gene, a point mutation is a single-nucleotide change, and a silent mutation is a DNA change that does not alter the amino acid sequence and often has no effect on the protein. Because the question asks for a general term describing a change in DNA that affects genetic information, the umbrella term mutation fits best.