What consequence can a mutation have on an organism?

The correct answer highlights that mutations can play a significant role in both the evolutionary process and the development of certain diseases. Mutations occur when there are changes in the DNA sequence of an organism. These changes can be neutral, beneficial, or harmful, and they can influence the organism’s phenotype, which is its observable characteristics.

In terms of evolution, beneficial mutations can confer advantages that improve an organism’s chances of survival and reproduction in a specific environment. Over time, these advantageous traits may become more prevalent within a population through natural selection, thereby driving evolutionary change.

Additionally, some mutations can lead to diseases when they disrupt normal biological functions or lead to the malfunction of proteins or regulatory pathways. For example, certain mutations in genes may result in cancer or hereditary conditions.

By acknowledging that mutations can contribute to both the evolutionary process and diseases, this answer encapsulates the duality of their effects on organisms and populations over time.