THE USE OF PROTECTORS AGAINST ALKYLATING AGENTS AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN INDUCTION OF MUTATIONS IN PLANTS

Abstract

Alkylating agents have been used successfully in the induction of mutations in plants, however their use is frequently limited by the physiological damage caused by their degradation products, such as reduced germination rate, sterility, decreased plant size or the induction of genetic alterations other than mutations. The potential of these mutagenic agents can be expanded if their mechanisms of action are known, which will allow the control of the undesirable effects that they induce. The side effects of mutagens have been reduced through the application of various chemical substances. In the present work, an analysis of the proposed molecular protection mechanisms is made and the importance of these facts in increasing mutagenic effectiveness in higher plants is discussed.