Question

Cytoplasmic male sterility in maize is manifestation of interaction between:

• A. Chloroplast and nuclear genes
• B. Mitochondria and nuclear genes
• C. Chloroplast and mitochondrial genes
• D. Cytoplasmic factors and male sterile genes

Answer 1

The correct option is B Mitochondria and nuclear genes

Mitochondrial and nuclear genes interactions are required for male sterility in maize. The failure of plants to produce functional pollen grains, anthers or male gametes is known as male sterility. Cytoplasmic male sterility will occur in presence of a sterile manifesting gene contributed by the mitochondria and in the absence of dominant restoration factor gene represented as Rf gene, that is, the nuclear genes being rfrf (homozygous recessive genotype).

So, the correct answer is option B.