Gene mutations are changes in the DNA sequence of a gene. These alterations can occur naturally during cell division or be caused by environmental factors like radiation or chemicals. Mutations can affect how genes function, potentially leading to changes in traits or health conditions. There are different types of mutations, including point mutations, which involve a single nucleotide change, and larger mutations that can involve deletions or duplications of DNA segments. Some mutations are harmless, while others can lead to genetic disorders or increase the risk of diseases, such as cancer or cystic fibrosis.