4 ms·
I wonder if it's possible to DIY this, but using say a beta emitter, I just found: "Beta particles are less damaging but have greater penetration than alpha pa
by anfractuosity 5y ago
I wonder if it's possible to DIY this, but using say a beta emitter, I just found:
"Beta particles are less damaging but have greater penetration than alpha particles, and can cause DNA mutation and cell damage."
Theoretically could you use an electron gun in a vacuum chamber to cause mutations in a seed?
- isoprophlex 5y agoSure, I guess any mutagen would do, as long as you have some control over the dosage. Mutagenic chemicals might work equally well. Would be super annoying/dangerous to work with compared to flipping a switch on an electron gun though.
- mimac 5y agoThe mutagenesis is not the rate limiting step, its the screening of positive mutants.
- CamperBob2 5y agoThat was one of the suggested experiments in the classic Amateur Scientist column "A Homemade Atom Smasher" (page 344 at http://www.sciencemadness.org/library/books/projects_for_the_amateur_scientist.pdf http://www.sciencemadness.org/library/books/projects_for_the... ). Spin up that old Van de Graaff in your closet and make some cool mutations!
- CapstanRoller 5y ago>Theoretically could you use an electron gun in a vacuum chamber to cause mutations in a seed? Yes https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/129124-japanese-scientists-use-particle-accelerator-to-create-salt-resistant-rice https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/129124-japanese-scientis...