What is the term for a change in a DNA sequence that alters genetic information?

The term for a change in a DNA sequence that alters genetic information is mutation. Mutations can occur in various ways, such as substitutions, insertions, or deletions of nucleotides, and they can have significant effects on the function of genes. Depending on the nature of the mutation, it can lead to a variety of outcomes, including changes in protein structure and function, which can subsequently influence an organism's traits or phenotype.

In contrast, transcription refers to the process whereby a segment of DNA is copied into RNA, which does not involve a change in the DNA sequence itself. Replication is the process in which a DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules, ensuring that genetic information is accurately passed on during cell division. Translation involves the decoding of messenger RNA (mRNA) to synthesize proteins, which again does not change the DNA sequence but rather utilizes the information encoded therein.