Mutation is the sudden, random and heritable changes in the organisms
which was first proposed by a Dutch botanist ‘Hugo de Vries’ on Evening
Primrose Plant. New species are formed due to discontinuous variations
caused due to mutation, according to him. There are two types of
mutation:
i. Chromosomal Mutation (occurs in the chromosome affecting number and
structure of chromosomes).
ii. Genetic Mutation (occurs in the genes affecting the genetic make up
and genetic constitution.
Chromosomal and gene mutations cause variations in the population which
plays significant role in bringing evolution in organisms. Mutations are
now considered as the ultimate source of organic evolution. By mutations
some old genes can be replaced by new genes in a population to develop
changes and thus mutations play important part in the process of organic
evolution.
