Mutation vs. Variation: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 14, 2024
Mutation is a change in the DNA sequence, while variation is the diversity in genetic and phenotypic traits among individuals in a population.
Key Differences
Mutation refers to a specific, permanent change in the DNA sequence of an organism, often leading to a change in the function or regulation of a gene. Variation, on the other hand, encompasses the broader range of differences found within and between populations of a species, which can be genetic, phenotypic, or behavioral.
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Feb 14, 2024
Mutations arise from errors during DNA replication or exposure to environmental factors. They can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful. Variation results from a combination of genetic factors, including mutations, and environmental influences, representing the diversity within a species.
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Feb 14, 2024
Mutations are the source of new genetic material and drive evolution by creating new alleles. Variation is essential for natural selection; it provides the raw material upon which selection acts, shaping species over time.
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Feb 14, 2024
Mutations can have a direct impact on an organism, potentially leading to genetic disorders or advantages. Variation, while influenced by mutations, also includes non-genetic factors and reflects the overall adaptability and resilience of a species.
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Feb 14, 2024
Mutations are detected through genetic sequencing and molecular analysis. Studying variation often involves population genetics, observing phenotypic differences, and assessing ecological and behavioral diversity.
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Feb 14, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Source
Genetic errors, environmental factors
Mutations, genetic recombination, environment
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Feb 14, 2024
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Mutation and Variation Definitions
Mutation
A permanent genetic alteration.
Genetic mutations can lead to evolutionary changes.
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Variation
Differences in the genetic makeup of individuals.
Genetic variation is crucial for a species' adaptability.
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Mutation
A variation in the nucleotide sequence of DNA.
UV radiation can cause mutations in skin cells.
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Variation
The range of phenotypes in a population.
Variation in bird beak size is influenced by available food sources.
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Mutation
An alteration in a gene's DNA sequence.
A mutation in the BRCA1 gene increases breast cancer risk.
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Variation
A difference in characteristics among individuals.
Flower color variation attracts different pollinators.
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Mutation
A change in an organism's genetic material.
A spontaneous mutation caused the bacteria to become antibiotic-resistant.
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Variation
The occurrence of distinct forms within a species.
Intra-species variation leads to a healthy gene pool.
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Mutation
A modification in the genetic code.
Some mutations are harmless and go unnoticed.
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Variation
The extent or degree to which something varies
A variation of ten pounds in weight.
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Variation
Something different from another of the same type
Told a variation of an old joke.
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Mutation
A change in the nucleotide sequence of the genome of an organism or virus, sometimes resulting in the appearance of a new character or trait not found in the parental type.
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Mutation
The process by which such a change occurs, either through an alteration in the nucleotide sequence coding for a gene or through a change in the physical arrangement of the genetic material.
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Variation
(Biology) The existence within a species or other group of organisms of differences in form, function, or behavior, especially when hereditary.
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Mutation
The nucleotide sequence, trait, or individual that results from such a change.
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Variation
(Mathematics) A function that relates the values of one variable to those of other variables.
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Mutation
A change affecting a sound or a class of sounds, such as back vowels or plosive consonants, through assimilation to another sound, as in the process of umlaut.
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Variation
A form that is an altered version of a given theme, diverging from it by melodic ornamentation and by changes in harmony, rhythm, or key.
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Mutation
A change affecting a sound or a class of sounds that is conditioned by morphological or syntactic factors rather than purely phonological factors, as in Irish, where certain words cause the lenition of the initial consonants of the following word.
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Mutation
(genetics) Any heritable change of the base-pair sequence of genetic material.
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Variation
The act of varying; a partial change in the form, position, state, or qualities of a thing.
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Variation
A related but distinct thing.
When the process didn't work, we tried a variation.
All of his soups are variations on a single recipe.
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Mutation
(linguistics) An alteration a particular sound of a word, especially the initial consonant, which is triggered by the word's morphological or syntactic context and not by its phonological context.
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Variation
(nautical) The angular difference at the vessel between the direction of true north and magnetic north.
Magnetic declination
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Mutation
Change; alteration, either in form or qualities.
The vicissitude or mutations in the superior globe are no fit matter for this present argument.
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Variation
(music) A technique where material is repeated with alterations to the melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, texture, counterpoint or orchestration; but with some invariant characteristic, e.g. a ground bass.
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Mutation
Gradual definitely tending variation, such as may be observed in a group of organisms in the fossils of successive geological levels.
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Mutation
As now employed (first by de Vries), a cellular process resulting in a sudden inheritable variation (the offspring differing from its parents in some well-marked character or characters) as distinguished from a gradual variation in which the new characters become fully developed only in the course of many generations. The occurrence of mutations, the selection of strains carrying mutations permitting enhanced survival under prevailing conditions, and the mechanism of hereditary of the characters so appearing, are well-established facts; whether and to what extent the mutation process has played the most important part in the evolution of the existing species and other groups of organisms is an unresolved question.
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Mutation
A variant strain of an organism in which the hereditary variant property is caused by a mutation{3}.
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Variation
The act of varying; a partial change in the form, position, state, or qualities of a thing; modification; alteration; mutation; diversity; deviation; as, a variation of color in different lights; a variation in size; variation of language.
The essences of things are conceived not capable of any such variation.
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Mutation
(biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration
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Variation
Extent to which a thing varies; amount of departure from a position or state; amount or rate of change.
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Mutation
(genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism
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Variation
Change of termination of words, as in declension, conjugation, derivation, etc.
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Variation
Repetition of a theme or melody with fanciful embellishments or modifications, in time, tune, or harmony, or sometimes change of key; the presentation of a musical thought in new and varied aspects, yet so that the essential features of the original shall still preserve their identity.
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Variation
One of the different arrangements which can be made of any number of quantities taking a certain number of them together.
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Variation
An activity that varies from a norm or standard;
Any variation in his routine was immediately reported
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Variation
A repetition of a musical theme in which it is modified or embellished
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Variation
Something a little different from others of the same type;
An experimental version of the night fighter
An emery wheel is a modern variant of the grindstone
The boy is a younger edition of his father
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Variation
An artifact that deviates from a norm or standard;
He patented a variation on the sandal
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Variation
The angle (at a particular location) between magnetic north and true north
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Variation
(astronomy) any perturbation of the mean motion or orbit of a planet or satellite (especially a perturbation of the earth's moon)
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Variation
(biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration
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Variation
The act of changing or altering something slightly but noticeably from the norm or standard;
Who is responsible for these variations in taxation?
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Variation
The diversity of genetic and phenotypic traits.
Variation in human skin color is an adaptation to sunlight exposure.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is genetic variation?
Genetic variation refers to the diversity of genes and alleles within and among populations.
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Feb 14, 2024
How do mutations affect evolution?
Mutations introduce new genetic material, providing the basis for evolutionary changes.
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Can variation exist without mutations?
While mutations are a source of variation, existing genetic diversity and environmental factors also contribute to variation.
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Are all mutations harmful?
No, mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.
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Feb 14, 2024
What causes mutations?
Mutations can be caused by errors during DNA replication or environmental factors like radiation.
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Feb 14, 2024
Does variation always have a genetic basis?
Variation can be genetic or influenced by environmental factors.
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Feb 14, 2024
Can mutations be inherited?
Yes, mutations in reproductive cells can be passed to offspring.
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Is variation important for survival?
Yes, variation is crucial for adaptability and survival of a species.
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Feb 14, 2024
What is a silent mutation?
A silent mutation is a change in DNA that does not alter the protein it codes for.
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What is a point mutation?
A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide in DNA.
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How is variation measured?
Variation can be measured through genetic analysis and observing phenotypic differences.
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Are all variations visible?
No, some variations, like blood type, are not visibly apparent.
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Can mutations be repaired?
Some types of mutations can be repaired by cellular mechanisms.
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How do mutations and variation relate to each other?
Mutations are a source of genetic variation, which is the diversity of traits in a population.
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Feb 14, 2024
Can environmental factors cause variation?
Yes, environmental factors can influence the expression of genes, leading to variation.
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What is a frameshift mutation?
A frameshift mutation involves insertions or deletions that alter the DNA reading frame.
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Are mutations random?
Mutations occur randomly, but their effects may be influenced by natural selection.
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Can mutations lead to new species?
Over time, mutations can contribute to the development of new species.
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Is variation the same in all populations?
No, different populations can have varying levels of genetic diversity.
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What is phenotypic variation?
Phenotypic variation refers to observable differences in physical traits among individuals.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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