Genetic mutations are changes in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome. These alterations can occur naturally during cell division or be caused by environmental factors like radiation or chemicals. Mutations can affect a single DNA base pair or larger segments of chromosomes, leading to variations in traits. Some mutations are harmless, while others can lead to diseases or increase the risk of certain conditions. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. Understanding genetic mutations is essential for fields like genetics and medicine.