A short definition of mutations

Mutations are alterations in the DNA sequence which result in permanent changes in the genetic message encoded in the DNA.

Explanation: The changes in the nucleotide sequence of the DNA can be as a result of insertion, deleted or substitution of one or more base pairs in the DNA sequence. When one or more nucleotides are inserted to a DNA sequence, the mutation is called addition or insertion, if one or more nucleotides are deleted, it is said to be deletion and when one or more nucleotides are replaced by another, it is said to be substitution mutation. Other types of mutation occur as a result of spontaneous loss of the exocyclic amino groups of the nitrogenous bases in a reaction known as deamination; and the hydrolysis of the glycosyl bond between the base and deoxyribose.

it provides an alternative energy pathway for the reaction to proceed.

a catalyst is a substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction but is not consumed during the course of the reaction.

catalysts increase the rate of reaction without being used up. they do this by lowering the activation energy needed. with a catalyst, more collisions result in a reaction, so the rate of reaction increases. different reactions need different catalysts.

a catalyst works by providing an alternative reaction pathway to the reaction product. the rate of the reaction is increased as this alternative route has a lower activation energy than the reaction route not mediated by the catalyst.