People are still not allowed to live or farm there. The seeds for both plots were germinated in Switzerland, and their DNA was analysed. Overall, the wheat grown near Chornobyl mutated at more than six times the rate of the comparison group. The plot nearest Chornobyl underwent genetic changes hundreds of times more often than expected. Mutations are copying mistakes that happen when reproduction passes hereditary instructions on to the next generation.
Some mutations are beneficial, some harmful.
But she predicted that key genes responsible for creating proteins would also mutate more quickly than expected. Hays said the findings suggest that wheat and other plants may be more susceptible than previously thought to genetic harm from a range of pollutants, in addition to radiation. Marlis Frankenberg-Schwager, who studies the effect of radiation on yeast at Germany's University of Gottingen, said it is too soon to say if the higher mutation rate holds for critical genes in wheat. We welcome your feedback. All rights reserved.