Making Mutations Happen

Plant breeders can make mutations happen faster with a process called mutagenesis. Radiation or chemicals are used to change the DNA. The goal is to cause changes in the sequence of the base pairs (A,T,G,C) so that the plant will make different proteins. These proteins may combine to make different traits. Plant breeders must grow and evaluate each plant to see if the changes give them something they want.

The main problem with mutagenesis is that there is no way to control exactly which changes will occur, and it may be difficult or impossible to get a specific trait.

 

Mutagenesis has been used to develop some varieties of the foods you eat, including apples, Asian pears, and pink grapefruit.