In this article we will discuss about the history and induction of mutations. History of Mutation: The sudden heritable changes in genes, other than those due to Mendelian segregation and recombination constitute mutations. The idea of mutation first originated from observations of a Dutch botanist Hugo de Vries (in the 1880's) on variations in plants of Oenothera lamarckiana (evening primrose) [...]
The following points highlight the top six uses of mutations in microorganisms. The uses are: 1. Determination of Function 2. Demonstration of Metabolic Pathways in Microorganisms 3. For Understanding The Metabolic Regulation 4. For Matching a Biochemical Entity with a Biological Function 5. For Locating the Site of Action of External Agents 6. For the Production of Useful Products. Use [...]
The following points highlight the four methods to detect and isolate mutants. The methods are: 1. Replica Plating Technique 2. Resistance Selection Method 3. Substrate Utilization Method 4. Carcinogenicity Test. 1. Replica Plating Technique: Lederberg and Lederberg (1952) have given replica plating technique. This technique is used to detect auxotrophic mutants which differentiates between mutants and wild type strains on [...]