A nurse is reviewing the results of a patient’s DNA sequencing test, which was performed to diagnose a genetic disorder.
The nurse notices that the patient has a mutation in one of the bases of the DNA. Which of the following is the correct term for this type of mutation?

Ionization is the process in which an atom loses or gains electrons to form an ion.

An ion is an atom or molecule that has a net electrical charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

Choice B is not the best answer because oxidation refers to the loss of electrons from an atom or molecule.

Choice C is not the best answer because reduction refers to the gain of electrons by an atom or molecule.

Choice D is not the best answer because isotopic decay refers to the process in which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Hydrogen bonds are responsible for the unique properties of water and play a crucial role in the structure of DNA and proteins.

Hydrogen bonds are weak electrostatic attractions between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Choice B.

Covalent bonds is incorrect because covalent bonds are strong chemical bonds formed by the sharing of electrons between two atoms.

Choice C.

Ionic bonds is incorrect because ionic bonds are chemical bonds formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of ions.

Choice D.

Van der Waals forces is incorrect because Van der Waals forces are weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary dipoles induced in atoms or molecules.