Question

Mutations can be induced with
A) \[\gamma \]-radiation
B) Infrared radiation
C) IAA
D) Ethylene

Answer 1

Hint: Ionizing radiations are more penetrating because they have more energy as compared to other radiations. They can cause different types of mutations. It is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation.

Complete answer:
Ionizing radiations such as X-rays and gamma rays can induce mutations in the genome of an organism with high frequency at a very low dose. It is a type of physical mutagen. They can induce large-sized mutations such as deletions, insertions, and chromosomal arrangements. They also induce single-base substitutions, small insertions, and multiple nucleotide variations. A large variety of these mutations occur in the upstream and the downstream regions of DNA. Ionizing radiations have more energy which causes ionization of DNA molecules and induces more lesions than non-ionizing radiations. The free radical mutation causes aggregation and cytotoxicity radiations, whereas mutations are caused by direct and indirect mutations. The gamma radiations are widely used to induce mutations in plant materials. Ionizing radiations can cause random mutations in the DNA. They are used in mutation breeding or plant mutagenesis. The acute and chronic types of gamma radiations are commonly used for this purpose.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Gamma radiation arises from the radioactive decay of the atomic nuclei. It imparts the highest photon energy and consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves. Their wavelength is generally shorter than ten angstroms and their photons have high energy and have higher volts.