# Explain how mutations in an organism's DNA can lead to variation in a population of the same species.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 3.5 Variation and mutation · Explain · 4 marks

> Scientists studying a population of Arctic foxes found that, over many generations, some individuals had fur colours that differed from the rest of the population. These differences were passed on to offspring.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A mutation is a random change in the base sequence of DNA
2. A mutation can produce a new allele of a gene
3. Different alleles can lead to different proteins being produced, resulting in a different phenotype
4. Mutations contribute to genetic variation because they introduce new alleles into the population, which can be inherited by offspring

## Key terms

- [mutation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mutation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-mutations-in-an-organism-s-64a1afeb) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.