Another
important
approach
is
the
mutation
of
tissue
culture
cells
to
produce
a
mutant
line
from
which
plants
can
be
raised.
Production
of
a
mutant
line
is
highly
desirable
for
plant
breeding.
Callus
cells,
produced
either
from
a
vegetative
cell
or
reproductive
tissues,
can
be
subjected
to
a
range
of
mutagenic
chemicals,
e.g.
N-nitroso-N-methyl
urea,
or
ionizing
radiations,
e.g.
gamma
rays.,
The
hope
is
that
such
treatment
will
effect
permanent
changes
in
the
DNA
pattern
of
some
cells.
Plants
could
be
raised
from
the
treated
cultures
and
any
mutant
whole
plants
could
be
selected
from
the
population
either
by
physical
differences
or
by
metabolic/biochemical
differences.
Biochemical
mutants
could
be
selected
for
disease
resistance,
resistance
to
phytotoxin,
improvement
of
nutritional
quality,
adaptation
of
plants
to
stress
conditions,
e.g.
saline
soils,
and
to
increase
the
biosynthesis
of
plant
products
used
for
medicinal
or
industrial
purposes.
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