Breeding of Vegetable, Spice and Tuber crops (2+1)

Table-Mutagens and their mode of action

Mutagens and their mode of action

Radiation	Main properties	Mode of action or changes caused
X rays	S.I., penetrating and non particulate	Induce mutations by forming free radicals and ions. Cause all changes.
Gamma rays	S.I., very penetrating and non particulate	Induce mutations by ejecting atoms from the tissues. Cause all changes.
Alpha particles	D.I., Particulate, less penetrating & +ve charged	Act by ionization and excitation. Cause chromosomal breakage and gene mutations
Beta particles	S.I., particulate ,more penetrating and –ve charged	Act by ionization and excitation. Cause chromosomal breakage and gene mutations
Fast and thermal neutrons	D.I., Particulate, neutral particles, highly penetrating	Cause chromosomal breakage and gene mutations
UV rays	Non-ionizing, low penetrating	Cause chromosomal breakage and gene mutations