Question

Write a short note on mutagenic agents.

Answer 1

Hint: The mutation is the process of creating such genetic variations, that are not observed in parents. In addition, mutations are induced using chemicals and radiations.

Complete answer: The mutation is the process by which genetic variations are created in an organism. These variations are created by the changes in the base sequence within the genes. Due to this the new characters and traits are created, that were not present in the parents before. Mutations occur in nature at a very slow speed. These are known as spontaneous mutations. However, sometimes for the purpose of breeding, etc., mutations are needed to be induced. These kinds of mutations that are induced with the help of different kinds of agents are known as induced mutations. These mutations are induced with the help of certain agents like mutagens or mutagenic agents. Mutagenic agents are those agents that have the ability to induce mutations at a very high rate.
Mutagenic agents are of two types –
Physical mutagenic agents – They are agents like radiations. For example – Radiations like gamma rays, X-rays, UV rays, etc., have the capability to induce mutations in substances.
Chemical mutagenic agents – They are chemical agents like Sodium azide and EMS (Ethyl-Methane Sulphonate). These chemicals are capable of causing mutations.

Note: Mutation breeding is a very common practice of crop production enhancement nowadays. It is very commonly used for creating high yielding crops and disease-resistant varieties. For example – Sharbati Sonora and Pusa Lerma varieties of wheat were developed by inducing mutations in the Mexican wheat varieties. Mung bean was developed resistant to yellow mosaic virus and powdery mildew with the help of induced mutations.