Artificial mutation can be created by _____?a)Alpha radiationb)UV radiationc)X-ray radiationd)Gamma radiationCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

All the given rays can be used as mutagen but Gamma rays are  used widely. So, option D is correct.

Answer

Gamma radiation is widely used to induce mutations in breeding studies than chemical mutagens. Ionizing radiation could cause several DNA damages randomly; therefore, several mutations (from point mutation to chromosome aberrations) could be induced.

Answer

Artificial Mutation and Radiation

Artificial mutation refers to the deliberate induction of changes in the genetic material of an organism. This can be achieved through various methods, including exposure to radiation. Among the different types of radiation, gamma radiation (option D) is particularly effective in inducing artificial mutations. Let's explore why.

Gamma Radiation and Artificial Mutation

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is highly energetic and ionizing in nature. It is produced through the decay of radioactive isotopes or as a result of nuclear reactions. Gamma rays possess sufficient energy to penetrate deep into biological tissues and can interact with the genetic material (DNA) within cells. This interaction can lead to changes in the DNA sequence, resulting in mutations.

How Gamma Radiation Induces Mutations

When gamma radiation passes through cells, it can directly ionize atoms and molecules or indirectly cause ionization by generating free radicals. These ionizations and free radicals can cause damage to the DNA structure, such as breakages in the DNA backbone or alterations in the DNA bases. The repair mechanisms within cells may not always successfully fix these damages, leading to permanent changes in the DNA sequence.

Advantages of Gamma Radiation

Gamma radiation is widely used in mutation breeding programs for several reasons:

1. Penetrating power: Gamma rays have high penetration capability, allowing them to reach the cells' DNA present deep within the organism, resulting in widespread mutagenesis.

2. Uniformity of exposure: Gamma radiation can provide a relatively uniform dose to a large number of organisms simultaneously. This is particularly useful in large-scale mutation breeding programs.

3. Control of dosage: The dosage of gamma radiation can be precisely controlled, enabling researchers to induce mutations at desired levels and minimize unintended damage.

4. Cost-effectiveness: Gamma radiation sources are readily available and relatively inexpensive compared to other mutagenic agents.

5. Wide range of applications: Gamma radiation-induced mutations have been successfully employed in various fields, including agriculture, horticulture, and biotechnology, to develop new crop varieties with improved traits such as disease resistance, yield, and nutritional value.

Conclusion

Gamma radiation is a powerful tool for inducing artificial mutations. Its high-energy nature allows it to penetrate deep into tissues, interact with DNA, and cause changes in the genetic material. This controlled induction of mutations through gamma radiation has significant applications in various fields, contributing to the development of improved organisms with desirable traits.

Similar NEET Doubts

Mutation can be induced with A. Gamma radiation B. Infra red radiations C. IAA D. Ethylene?

Wiens law is concerned with [2002]

The process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from a point and radiating to other geographical area is called?

What is the percentage of photosynthesis active radiation (PAR)in the incident solar radiation? You can explain A 100% B 50% C 1-5% D 2-10%?

Electromagnetic radiations of intensity I is incident normally on a perfectly reflecting surface. If speed of light is C, then radiation pressure exerted on the surface is

Top Courses for NEETView all

Biology Class 11

Daily Test for NEET Preparation

NEET Mock Test Series 2025

Topic-wise MCQ Tests for NEET

Physics Class 11

Top Courses for NEET

Top Courses for NEET

Suggested Free Tests

Related Content

About NEET

NEET Preparation Material

How to Prepare for NEET Exam?

NCERT Based Study Material

NEET Mock Tests

Other Popular Exams

Company