Question

What is mutation? Explain the significance of mutation in plant breeding. Give an example of disease resistant variety of cultivated plants induced by mutation.

Answer 1

Sudden heritable change in the characters of an organism due to change in the sequence of bases in the genes is mutation. Mutation results in a new character or a trait not found in the parental type. It can be induced by using mutagens like gamma radiations. Such plant materials are used as such or used for breeding new varieties. Mung bean resistance to yellow mosaic virus and powdery mildew are induced through mutations.

Answer 2

Mutation plays an important role in evolution. The ultimate source of all genetic variation is mutation. Mutation is important as the first step of evolution because it creates a new DNA sequence for a particular gene, creating a new allele.