Genetic mutation refers to a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence of an organism. These mutations can occur naturally or be induced by external factors such as radiation, chemicals, or viruses. Mutations can have varying effects on an organism, ranging from harmless to harmful to beneficial. Understanding genetic mutations is important in fields such as genetics, medicine, and evolutionary biology, as they can contribute to the development of diseases, genetic disorders, and even drive evolution. Researchers study genetic mutations to better understand their causes, effects, and potential treatments.