Which mutation changes a single nucleotide without altering the amino acid produced?

A silent mutation is a specific type of genetic mutation where a single nucleotide change occurs in the DNA sequence but does not lead to a change in the amino acid sequence of the protein produced. This is possible due to the redundancy of the genetic code, where multiple codons can encode for the same amino acid. For instance, if a nucleotide in a codon is altered but still results in the same amino acid being specified, the overall protein structure and function remain unaffected.

In contrast, a missense mutation results in a change in one amino acid in the protein sequence, which can potentially alter the protein's structure and function. Translocation refers to a chromosomal alteration where a segment of one chromosome is transferred to another chromosome, which can lead to significant genetic changes and potentially affect multiple genes. Aneuploidy involves the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes, leading to major developmental and functional issues.

Thus, the unique characteristic of a silent mutation is the ability to change the DNA sequence without impacting the amino acid sequence, maintaining the protein's original function.