Mutations are the direct result of changes in

Options

A. Protein function
B. Phenotype
C. Amino acids
D. Nucleotide sequence

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Mutations:**
- Mutations are defined as sudden changes in the genetic material of an organism. They can occur spontaneously and are often random events.

2. **Identifying the Cause of Mutations:**
- The primary cause of mutations is changes in the DNA sequence. These changes can result from various factors, including environmental influences and errors during DNA replication.

3. **Types of Changes:**
- Mutations can affect the nucleotide sequences in DNA. A nucleotide is the basic building block of DNA, composed of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

4. **Consequences of Nucleotide Changes:**
- When a nucleotide sequence changes, it can lead to alterations in the codons, which are three-nucleotide sequences that code for specific amino acids. This can result in the production of different proteins or affect the function of existing proteins.

5. **Options Analysis:**
- The question provides four options: protein function, phenotype, amino acids, and nucleotide sequences. Among these, the most direct and fundamental change that leads to mutations is in the nucleotide sequences.

6. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, mutations are directly caused by changes in nucleotide sequences. This is the most accurate answer to the question.

**Final Answer:**
Mutations are the direct result of changes in **nucleotide sequences**.

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