A rare change in the DNA of a gene, ultimately creating genetic diversity is called what?

• A. Mutation
• B. Protein Synthesis
• C. Codon
• D. Anticodon

Answer: (A)

Mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of a gene. These changes are relatively rare, but they generate new alleles that create genetic diversity. If the mutation occurs in germ cells, it can be passed to offspring, contributing to variation across generations. Not all mutations affect function—some are neutral, some harmful, and a few may provide a selective advantage. The other terms refer to parts of the protein-making system (codon, anticodon) or the process itself (protein synthesis), not changes in the DNA sequence.