Differences Between Variation And Mutation

The main difference between mutation and variation is that mutation refers to an alteration in the nucleotide sequence of a gene, whereas variation is any difference observed among individuals of the same species.

Variation vs. Mutation

Here are the main differences between variation and mutation:

Aspect	Genetic Variation	Genetic Mutation
Definition	The diversity of genetic traits within a population or species	A permanent alteration or change in the DNA sequence of an organism
Source	Arises from processes such as genetic recombination, gene flow, and genetic drift	Primarily caused by spontaneous changes in DNA or exposure to mutagens
Scope	Can involve a range of genetic differences, including alleles, gene copy number variations, and chromosomal rearrangements	Refers specifically to changes at the DNA sequence level
Occurrence	Common and naturally occurring in populations, contributing to biodiversity	Relatively rare events, occurring randomly or due to specific factors
Impact	Contributes to the phenotypic diversity and adaptation of individuals and populations	Can have various effects, including neutral, beneficial, or harmful impacts on an organism
Mechanisms	Generated through sexual reproduction, genetic recombination during meiosis, and genetic exchange	Result from errors in DNA replication, repair, or recombination
Types	Includes polymorphisms, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and structural variations	Encompasses point mutations (substitutions, insertions, deletions), chromosomal mutations, and gene mutations
Inheritance	Can be inherited and passed down to offspring, contributing to hereditary traits	Can be inherited if it occurs in germ cells, potentially leading to genetic disorders
Importance	Provides the raw material for natural selection and evolutionary processes	Can introduce new genetic traits, cause diseases, or have implications in evolutionary biology and medicine
Examples	Allelic variations in eye color, blood type, or height within a population	Mutations causing genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or BRCA gene mutations