M UT
ATIO
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Definition
A mutation is a change in the amount, arrangement
or structure of the DNA of an organism.
There are two types of mutation:
1. Chromosomal mutation or aberration
- change in the amount and arrangement of the
DNA.
2. Gene or point mutation
- change in the structure of a gene in the DNA.
Spontaneous Mutations
Mutations that occur randomly or spontaneously
Occurs at the rate of 10-6 (1 in 1,000,000) to 10-8 (1 in
100,000,000) replications.
Causes of spontaneous mutations:
1) The four organic bases in the nucleotides are not 100%
stable and may pair up with non-complementary bases, e.g.,
normally A will pair up with T but occasionally it will pair up
with G.
2) Another cause of spontaneous mutations is non-disjunction of
homologous chromosomes during either meiosis I or meiosis
II.
3) Another cause of spontaneous mutations is random
chromosome breaks.
Induced Mutations
Are caused by exposure of the DNA to
chemicals or various types of radiation.
These agents that cause induced mutations
are called mutagens (or mutagenic agents)
Chemical Mutagens
Nitrous oxide and nitrous acid – Deaminate cytosine and change it
to uracil
Base analogues, e. g., 5-bromouracil – Incorporates themselves
into nucleic acids in place of one of the normal bases, e. g., 5-
bromouracil will pair with guanine in place of adenine
Colchicine – Prevents spindle formation in mitosis and also causes
doubling of chromosome number
Cyclamate – Causes chromosomal aberrations
Mustard gas – Replaces guanine in DNA with other bases
Acridine orange – Addition and/or removal of bases in DNA
Caffeine and formaldehyde – Caffeine is a weak mutagen because
it is a base analogue of adenine and sometimes can take its place
in the DNA. Formaldehyde is mutagenic and can cause gene
mutations and chromosomal aberrations especially if it comes into
contact with cell
Physical Mutagens: High-energy
Radiation
Ionizing radiation: X-rays and γ-rays
Cause simple base substitutions
Produce large deletions of genetic material due to breaks produced
as a result of collisions between the high-energy particles and the
DNA molecule
Ultraviolet radiation
Causes abnormal bonding of thymine bases. Forms covalent bonds
between two units to form a dimer. Inactivates a DNA strand as the
dimer cannot form hydrogen bonds with adenine nucleotides of the
complementary strand. As a result, DNA replication and mRNA
transcription cannot occur.
High-energy Particles
α and β particles
Cosmic radiation – Originates from processes
that occur in outer space. Dangerous
especially to astronauts travelling in outer
space.
Uses of Mutations
Not all mutations are harmful. Some mutations are
good and beneficial to mankind.
Spontaneous mutations sometimes produce
useful mutations in plants cultivated by man. But
spontaneous mutations occur at a very low rate
and take a very long time to produce beneficial
results.
Induced mutation by using chemicals and
radiation can produce mutations that increase
yield and resistance in crops including cereals, oil-
producing plants, root and tuber plants.
Use of Induced Mutation
in Plant Improvement
Can use chemicals such as EMS, DMSO or
colchicine or radiation
Use of radiation encouraged by International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in collaboration
with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of
the UN.
Using radiation, seeds are irradiated and allowed
to grow to seedlings. Then, they are selected for
favourable traits.
E.g. of plants produced by radiation – barley that
can grow at 5000 m above sea level (16400 ft) or
rice that can grow in high salinity water.