What best describes a change in a DNA sequence that affects genetic information?

A change in a DNA sequence that affects genetic information is best described as a mutation. Mutations are alterations in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, and they can have various effects on an organism. They can lead to changes in the structure and function of proteins, which ultimately influences an organism's traits.

Mutations can occur in many forms, including substitutions, insertions, deletions, and duplications of nucleotides. Each of these alterations can have different consequences, such as creating nonfunctional proteins or causing diseases. The significance of a mutation can vary, ranging from harmless to detrimental, depending on where in the genome the mutation occurs and how it affects gene function.

While deletions and translocations can be types of mutations, the term "mutation" encompasses all types of changes that lead to differences in genetic information, making it the most comprehensive and accurate description in this context. A replication error, on the other hand, refers specifically to mistakes made during DNA duplication.