ROLE OF SOMATIC MUTATIONS IN THE EVOLUTION OF HIGHER-PLANTS

Because of the unique developmental features of higher plants, somatic mutations may enter the germline and be transmitted to the progeny. I n the present review, the role of somatic mutations in higher plant ev olution is documented by taking into account the following topics: som atic gene mutations and chromosome structural changes; aneusomaty; bud sports; periclinal chimeras; somatic chromosome doubling; virus infec tion; effects of environment and soil conditions; mutagenic plant prod ucts.