Q. Consider the following statements:

1. A missense mutation - a wrong amino acid is incorporated into a protein.
2. Germline mutations - can be transmitted to offspring.
3. Chromosomal alterations - change chromosome structure.
4. Point mutation - change in a single nucleotide in DNA.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Notes: A mutation is a change in the DNA or RNA sequence, occurring in everyone and essential for evolution as it introduces new genetic material (alleles). Most mutations are neutral, but some can be beneficial. A missense mutation is a point mutation that substitutes one amino acid for another in a protein due to a DNA error. Germline mutations occur in gametes and can be passed to offspring, affecting all their cells. Chromosomal alterations change chromosome structure, often due to incorrect rejoining of chromosome segments. Point mutations involve a single nucleotide change and can be silent, missense, or nonsense, typically being less severe than chromosomal alterations.