What is the Mutation Simulator?
Simulate point mutations, insertions, deletions, and random SNPs on DNA or RNA sequences in your browser. Apply a specific substitution, insert or delete bases at a chosen position, or generate reproducible random SNPs with a seed. View highlighted mutated sequences and a mutation log. Free, private, and instant.
How to use the Mutation Simulator
- Choose DNA or RNA and a mutation type.
- Paste your sequence (FASTA headers are stripped).
- Set position, bases, length, or random SNP count.
- Review the original and highlighted mutated sequence.
- Copy the mutation summary for lab notes or teaching demos.
Common use cases
- Demonstrating SNP effects in a classroom genetics lab
- Generating a mutated test sequence for primer mismatch exercises
- Modeling random mutations for evolution simulations
Frequently asked questions
- What mutation types are supported?
- Substitution (single base change), insertion, deletion, and random single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at unique positions.
- How do random SNPs work?
- The tool picks distinct positions without replacement and substitutes each with a different valid base. A numeric seed makes runs reproducible.
- Are positions 0-based or 1-based?
- Substitutions and deletions use 1-based positions (first base = 1). Insertions use insert-after position; 0 inserts before the first base.
- Does it support FASTA input?
- Yes. Lines starting with > are removed before mutation.
- Is my sequence uploaded?
- No. All simulations run locally in your browser.
