Strain development is a process that fundamentally involves mutation and selection of mutants.
Understanding Strain Development
At its core, strain development focuses on altering microorganisms or other cell lines to improve desirable characteristics, such as higher yield of a product, increased growth rate, or enhanced resistance to environmental stress. The primary mechanisms according to the definition are genetic change and subsequent isolation.
Core Processes in Strain Development
Based on the provided information, the key activities in strain development are:
- Mutation: Introducing changes to the genetic material (DNA) of a strain. This can occur spontaneously or be induced through various physical or chemical agents.
- Selection of Mutants: Identifying and isolating the individual cells (mutants) that display the desired new or improved traits resulting from the mutation.
Role in Strain Improvement Programs
Strain development is typically a critical component within a broader "strain improvement program." The goal of such a program is to enhance the performance of a specific strain for commercial or research purposes.
While mutation and selection are central techniques, the reference highlights that for a successful strain improvement program, additional aspects should be considered before starting with mutation techniques. Ignoring these foundational steps, even if they seem basic, would significantly lessen the effectiveness of the overall program. Therefore, effective strain development is often built upon careful preparation and planning that precedes the application of mutation and selection.
