An SNV (Single Nucleotide Variant) is a location in DNA where a single base pair is different from a reference sequence. Although often used interchangeable with “SNP” (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism), a SNP technically refers to a more common variant, one that is present in > 1% of a population, whereas SNV is a broader term referring to any difference from a reference. Although some SNVs can cause disease or disorder and/or make someone more or less susceptible to a disease or disorder, SNVs are typically “inconsequential” natural variation (especially on their own). Nevertheless, they can be co-inherited with traits (a phenomenon called linkage disequilibrium), helping scientists track down genetic associations and home in on disease-causing mutations.