Mutation
Mutation:
A mutation is an alteration in the nucleic acid/DNA sequence of the genome
of an organism.
Mutagenesis: Mutagenesis is the process by which the genetic information of
an organism is changed in a stable manner and mutations are generated.
Mutants: Individuals carrying a mutation that may be revealed using
molecular means or identified by phenotyping tools.
Induced mutagenesis. This type of mutagenesis is induced by the use of
radiation or chemical mutagens and is a random process. Mutant plants and
organisms produced by induced mutagenesis are referred to as induced
mutants.
Insertion mutagenesis. This type of mutagenesis results from DNA
insertions, either through genetic transformation and insertion of T-DNA (T-
DNA insertion mutagenesis) or activation of transposon elements (transposon
mutagenesis or transposition mutagenesis). The consequent mutants are
known as insertion mutants or transposon mutants.
Site-directed mutagenesis. This type of mutagenesis is the process of
creating a mutation at a defined site in a DNA molecule. In plants, this is
achieved by genetic transformation followed by homologous recombination
between the T-DNA fragment and indigenous DNA molecules. The mutants
thus generated are characterised by the replacement of an indigenous DNA
fragment by a foreign molecule, which can be as limited as one nucleotide.
Types of mutagens
Physical mutagens include various types of radiations like x-rays, γ-rays,
neutrons, β-particles,α-particles, proton or deuterons, UV rays etc.,
Chemical mutagenesis is achieved through alkylating agents, base analogues
(5BU, 2-AP, TMU etc), Acridine dyes (Acraflavin, acridine orange, ethidium
bromide etc.) has become an important tool in crop improvement.