Answer:
Mutations are sudden inheritable changes which results in alteration of DNA sequences and changes the genotype and phenotype of an organism. Mutation leads to variation.
There are various chemical and physical factors that can induce mutations. These are called mutagens. Physical mutagens include temperature and radiations, a, P, y rays. X-rays, ultra violet rays cause mutations in organisms. Some chemical mutagens are nitrous acid, alkylating agents, acridine dyes.
Mutations have played a significant role in agriculture by crop improvement. Plant breeders use mutations for improvement of plants for higher yield, nutritive value, disease resistance etc. Sharbati Sonora, a wheat variety was developed through mutations. A high yielding rice variety called Reimei was produced by gamma irradiation. Cauliflower and cabbage are mutants developed from wild cabbage. Mutations are induced in plants to enhance their beauty and fragrance e.g., Dahlia, Rosa. Many crop plants like wheat, rice, maize, gram, cotton, potato, sugarcane, banana developed by mutations in nature. In vegetatively propagated plants, mutations are the only source of improvement and development of variability. Seedless varities of grapes and oranges are successfully produced through mutations.
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