What are the three types of mutations and describe what happens in each? a.

Mutations come in three fascinating forms! First up, we have **point mutations**, where a single nucleotide is altered. This can lead to a change in an amino acid in a protein, which might be harmless or cause a cascade of effects—think of it as a single typo in a manuscript. Next, there are **insertion mutations**, where extra nucleotides are added into the DNA sequence. This can shift the entire reading frame, similar to adding extra letters into a sentence that can make it nonsensical. Lastly, we have **deletion mutations**, which involve losing nucleotides from the DNA. Like erasing words from a book, this can have dramatic results on a protein’s function, possibly resulting in a nonfunctional or harmful protein! Now, why do these mutations matter? They’re crucial in the realm of evolution, my friend! Mutations introduce genetic diversity, providing raw material for natural selection to act upon. For instance, a beneficial mutation can help an organism adapt to its environment, like a polar bear's white fur offering camouflage in the snow. This evolutionary dance not only shapes species but gives rise to new ones over long periods, making mutations the spotlight feature in the grand theater of life!