What characterizes a point mutation in DNA?

A point mutation in DNA is characterized by an alteration involving a single base pair. This can take the form of an insertion, a deletion, or a substitution of one base for another. Such mutations are crucial because they can lead to changes in the amino acid sequence of proteins, potentially impacting their function.

For example, if a single base is substituted, it may result in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein, which can affect the protein's structure and function. This contrasts with other types of mutations that involve larger segments of DNA or entire genes, such as complete gene deletions or alterations in chromosome number. Point mutations specifically focus on the level of individual nucleotides, making them fundamental in genetics and molecular biology, especially in the study of genetic disorders and evolution.