Which of the following accurately describes the mutability of lists and tuples in Python?

In Python, lists are categorized as mutable data structures, meaning that their contents can be changed after they are created. This allows for operations such as adding, removing, or modifying elements within the list, which provides flexibility in handling collections of items.

On the other hand, tuples are considered immutable, meaning that once they are created, their contents cannot be altered. This immutability offers certain advantages, such as making tuples simpler and sometimes more efficient for storing a collection of items that should not change throughout the program.

This distinction is crucial for Python developers as it affects how data structures are used, especially in situations where data integrity needs to be maintained. Understanding these properties helps in choosing the right data structure for the task at hand, ensuring that lists and tuples are used appropriately based on whether mutability is required.