Mutations are changes in genes or chromosomes that are passed on to offspring. There are two main types: gene mutations, which alter DNA sequences within a gene, and chromosomal mutations, which involve changes to chromosomes. Gene mutations include point mutations like substitutions of single nucleotide bases and frameshift mutations from insertions or deletions of bases. Chromosomal mutations involve changes in chromosome number, such as duplications, or structure, including deletions, inversions, and translocations of chromosomal segments. Understanding genetic mutations is important for developing knowledge of their effects in humans.