A mutation is like a typo in the instructions for building a living thing. It's a permanent change in the DNA sequence, which can alter the way a gene works. This can be like changing a single letter in a recipe, which might not make much difference, or it could be like replacing a whole ingredient, which could completely change the dish. Mutations can be inherited from parents or occur during a person's lifetime, and they can lead to a wide range of effects, from harmless variations to serious diseases.
