What type of mutation involves changing a single base nucleotide?

A mutation that involves changing a single base nucleotide is referred to as a point mutation. This type of mutation occurs when one nucleotide in the DNA sequence is altered, which can lead to various outcomes depending on the specific change and its location within a gene. Point mutations can be classified into several categories, including silent, missense, and nonsense mutations, based on their effects on the resulting protein.

The significance of point mutations lies in their potential to alter the amino acid sequence of proteins, which may affect the structure and function of the protein. This can have various consequences, from benign to severe, depending on how the mutation impacts the organism's biology. Understanding point mutations is crucial in the fields of genetics and molecular biology, as they are a fundamental aspect of genetic variation and can contribute to diseases, evolutionary changes, and the overall diversity of life.