HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. Mutations can result from errors in DNA replication during cell division, exposure to mutagens or a viral infection.

Detailed explanation-2: -A gene variant is a permanent change in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. This type of genetic change used to be known as a gene mutation, but because changes in DNA do not always cause disease, it is thought that gene variant is a more accurate term.

Detailed explanation-3: -Two major categories of mutations are germline mutations and somatic mutations. Germline mutations occur in gametes. These mutations are especially significant because they can be transmitted to offspring and every cell in the offspring will have the mutation. Somatic mutations occur in other cells of the body.

Detailed explanation-4: -Examples of mutations in animals are those born with extra body parts, e.g. two-headed snakes, four-legged ducks, and a cyclops kitten. Often, these kinds of mutations lead to the death of the animal soon or a few days after its birth.