Question

Write short notes on mutagenic agents.

Answer 1

• Mutagenic agents: The chemical substances and environmental conditions which cause mutations in the organisms are called mutagens or mutagenic agents. There are two kinds of mutagenic agents - Physical and chemical mutagenic agents.
• Physical mutagenic agents: Electromagnetic radiation, radiations like $\alpha$, $\beta$ and $\gamma$, ultraviolet rays, temperature, etc. are some of the examples for physical mutagens. $X$-rays and gamma rays are ionizing radiations which induce mutation in seeds. UV rays are non-ionizing radiations.
• Chemical mutagenic agents: Chemicals can also be used for inducing mutations in the organisms. Such chemicals are called chemical mutagenic agents. E.g., Nitrous acid, Methyl methane sulphonate (MMS) and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). Ethyl methane sulphonate has been extensively used for inducing mutations in microorganisms, higher plants and animals.