Question

What term is used to describe the changes in gene sequence that have occurred?

Answer 1

The process of alteration in the genetic material of a cell of a living organism or of a virus that is more or less permanent and that can be transmitted to the cells or the virus descendants. They may be either useful or harmful.

Complete answer
The term used is a mutation that occurs when there is a change in the gene sequence. It occurs when there is DNA gene damage for change in the genetic message which is carried out by that gene. Discontinuous variations are formed due to alterations in the genome or genes, which occur occasionally and disturb the genetic construction of the organisms. These variations are also called mutations. The changes in genetic material or permanent alteration of the DNA gene can be done by the agent which are known as a mutagen. Mutations are sudden and can occur anytime and may cause harm to the organisms. Mutagens are basically divided into three categories: biological, chemical, and physical mutagens.

Additional information:
Chemical mutagens cause a mutation by mimicking the genetic material components or by substituting them. A common example of chemical mutagens are benzene, sodium azide, aromatic amines, alkaloids, and deaminating agents
Physical mutagens are any physical component that can alter the genetic content by breaking them or by altering the bonding of the genetic material. Major examples of physical mutagens are X-rays, gamma rays, and UV rays.
Biological mutagens are agents that can change the genetic content in the desired way, for example, bacteriophages that alter the genetic component of the infected host to the needs of the virus propagation.

Note:
Mutations are of different types, in certain mutations the organism undergoes changes in genetic content but it does not affect the transcription and translation process, as one protein can be translated using more than one codon. These kinds of mutations are known as silent mutations, where there won't be any morphological changes or changes in protein synthesis even though changes occurred in the genetic component. Not all mutagens are carcinogens, but all carcinogens are mutagens.