Explanation:Mutation is defined as the sudden inheritable change in the genetic material.Mutation in a virus is caused due to a change in its genetic material.Every living organism on the planet has its own genetic material that contains information about the organism's multiplication, development, and behaviour.The genetic material of most organisms is DNA, whereas some viruses have RNA as their genetic material.Mutants are organisms that undergo these changes in their genetic material.During the mutation process in viruses, genetic materials are subjected to molecular processes in order to obtain functional protein products. These proteins aid in all aspects of organism growth and development.In one such process, genetic materials attempt to replicate themselves. They make some mistakes while copying, which cause changes in the resulting proteins.Additional InformationCharacteristics of genetic material:It should be able to generate its own replicas (by the process of replication).It should be chemically or structurally stable.It should be able to undergo slow and gradual changes called mutations which result in evolution.It should be able to store genetic information which is inherited.It should be able to express itself in the form of 'Mendelian characters'.