Forward genetics is used to identify genes that are involved in particular biological processes. For example, genes required for disease resistance can be found by identifying mutants with reduced or increased disease resistance, genes that control flower development can be identified by searching for mutants with altered flower morphology, and genes encoding enzymes for tryptophan biosynthesis can be identified by searching for mutants that require exogenous tryptophan for growth.

Protocol: Forward Genetics in Arabidopsis: Finding Mutations that Cause Particular Phenotypes Protocol