The challenge for the plant functional genomics is to elucidate the function of every gene in the plant genome. Definitive allocation of gene function requires the introduction of mutations and further analysis of their phenotypic repercussions. Chemical and ionizing radiation mutagenesis are useful tools to generate genetic variability for functional genomic studies. T-DNA fragments and transposable elements can potentially generate mutations disrupting gene continuity. ZFN mutagenesis method allows the introduction of genetic changes precisely into the desired genome region.
Zofia Szweykowska-Kulinska, Zaklad Ekspresji Genow, Instytut Biologii Molekularnej i Biotechnologii, Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza, ul. Miedzychodzka 5, 60-371 Poznan, Poland