Genomic alterations refer to changes in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome. These changes can occur in various forms, such as mutations, deletions, duplications, or rearrangements of genetic material. Such alterations can affect how genes function, potentially leading to differences in traits or the development of diseases, including cancer. These alterations can be inherited from parents or acquired during a person's lifetime due to environmental factors or errors in DNA replication. Understanding genomic alterations is crucial for fields like genetics, molecular biology, and personalized medicine, as they can influence treatment strategies and disease prevention.