What term is used to describe a change in the sequence of nucleotides in DNA?

The term used to describe a change in the sequence of nucleotides in DNA is mutation. Mutations can occur due to various factors, such as errors during DNA replication or damage from environmental influences. This alteration in the nucleotide sequence can lead to changes in the structure and function of proteins, potentially impacting an organism's traits and behaviors. Understanding mutations is fundamental in genetics and molecular biology, as they play a crucial role in evolution, genetic diversity, and various medical conditions.

Transcription refers to the process by which the genetic information in DNA is copied into RNA, while replication involves the duplication of DNA to ensure that genetic information is passed on during cell division. Translation is the process that follows transcription, where messenger RNA is used to synthesize proteins. These processes are vital for gene expression and maintaining cellular functions, but they do not describe changes to the DNA sequence itself.