What is the term for a change in a gene's DNA sequence?

The term for a change in a gene's DNA sequence is mutation. Mutations can occur due to various factors, including errors during DNA replication, exposure to environmental agents, or as a result of genetic recombination processes. They can lead to changes in the function or expression of a gene, which may have implications for the organism's phenotype or health. Understanding mutations is fundamental in genetics and molecular biology because they are the source of genetic variability and can influence traits and evolution.

Recombination refers to the process where genetic material is rearranged, generally during meiosis, but it does not specifically denote a change in a single gene's sequence. Transcription is the process by which DNA is copied into RNA, which is a different biochemical process unrelated to the alteration of the DNA sequence itself. Replication involves copying the entire DNA molecule to produce two identical copies, ensuring accurate transmission of genetic information to daughter cells, but it does not encompass changes in the sequence. Each of these terms relates to genetics but indicates distinct processes or phenomena that are separate from the concept of mutation.