Mutations are changes in a genomic sequence that can occur randomly or be induced. They are caused by factors like radiation, viruses, chemicals, and errors during cell replication or meiosis. Mutations can be classified as genomatic, chromosomal, or gene mutations. Mutation causes changes in the chemical composition and morphology of plants. For example, the solasodine content in solanum khasianum was increased by both radiation and chemical mutagens, while the diosgenin content and tuber yield in dioscorea was reduced by radiation mutagens. Mutations induced in poppy seeds with carbon-14 radiation produced a number of mutations.

1. By Dr.U.Srinivasa, M.Pharm, Ph.D

2. MUTATION IN PLANTS
In molecular biology and genetics, mutations are
changes in a genomic sequence: the DNA
sequence of a cell's genome or the DNA or RNA
sequence of a virus. These random sequences can
be defined as sudden and spontaneous changes in
the cell.

3. Mutations are caused by radiation, viruses, and
mutagenic chemicals, as well as errors that occur
during meiosis or DNA replication.

4. They can also be induced by the organism itself,
by cellular processes such as hypermutation.
On exposure to certain chemical, physical or
physiological agents (mutagens)
The different form of gene produced by mutation
are called alleles. A cell or organism which
shows effect of mutation is called mutant.

5. CLASSIFICATION
 They are mainly of three types:
- Genomatic
- Chromosome
- Gene mutation

6. EFFECTS OF MUTATION
Mutation cause changes in chemical
composition in medicinal plants apart from
morphological and anatomical changes.
On secondary metabolites:
Solasodine content in solanum khasianum
was increased by both radiation & chemical
mutagens.

7. Morphine content in opium was increased
by chemical mutagens.
Diosgenin content as well as tuber yield in
dioscrea was reduced by radiation
mutagens.
Irradiation of poppy seeds with 14
CO a
number of mutation was produced.