How might a biologist determine whether a mutation has occurred and, if so what type of mutation it is?

Answer 1

There are two types of mutation, the somatic and genetic mutation. Somatic mutation occurs in the body of the organism that has been affected by the mutagen, but will not appear in the next generation. Genetic mutation will not appear in the body of the organism, but will appear in the filial generation.

For example, x-rays made somatic mutations in a dog. The dog will show obvious changes in its body like balding. On the next generation, the balding will not appear on its offspring. X-rays that causes genetic mutation on the dog will show no changes on the body, but will appear on its offspring, such as balding of its offspring. Hope you get it...

Answer 2

By uswing PCR technology or Polymerase Chain Reaction.