How does mutation affect the inheritance of traits?

Mutations affect the inheritance of traits by changing the genetic information in an organism’s DNA. These changes can influence how traits are passed from one generation to the next. Here’s how it works simply:

1. What a mutation is –
   A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of a gene. It can happen naturally during cell division or be caused by factors like radiation, chemicals, or viruses.
2. Effect on gene function –
   If a mutation occurs in a gene, it may alter the protein that the gene produces. This can change how a trait appears — for example, flower color, plant height, or disease resistance.
3. Types of mutations –
   • Beneficial mutations can create new, useful traits (like drought tolerance).
   • Harmful mutations can cause defects or make the plant less fit.
   • Neutral mutations have no visible effect.
4. Heritable mutations –
   Mutations in reproductive cells (gametes) can be passed on to offspring, affecting inheritance.
   Mutations in body cells (somatic cells) are not inherited by the next generation.
5. Source of variation –
   Mutations are one of the main sources of genetic variation, which helps plants adapt to changing environments and is vital for evolution and breeding.
6. Mutation and new alleles –
   A mutation can create a new allele (gene version). When inherited, it adds diversity to the gene pool and may influence how traits are expressed in future generations.
7. Impact on dominant and recessive traits –
   • If a mutation occurs in a dominant gene, its effect can appear even if only one copy is mutated.
   • If it occurs in a recessive gene, the change may stay hidden until two copies are inherited.
8. Artificial mutation breeding –
   In modern plant science, scientists sometimes induce mutations (using chemicals or radiation) to develop plants with desirable traits like higher yield or pest resistance.

In summary:
Mutations change DNA and can introduce new traits into a population. When these mutations occur in reproductive cells, they become part of a plant’s genetic inheritance — shaping evolution, diversity, and plant breeding outcomes.