Question

During the somatic hybridisation, the plant cells are treated with which of the following enzyme(s)?

• A. PEG
• B. Cellulase, pectinase
• C. Electrofusion
• D. All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B Cellulase, pectinase

Somatic hybridisation is a technique which involves fusion of protoplasts of plants belonging to two distinct species followed by subsequent tissue culturing in order to get a hybrid with desirable characteristics. During the somatic hybridisation, the cells are treated with enzymes such as cellulase, pectinase. Cellulase enzyme acts on the somatic cell of each type of plant and help in removal of the cell wall. Pectinase enzyme helps to dissolve the pectin layer that holds the cells together. Finally, the cells obtained that lack their cell wall are known as protoplasts. The protoplasts are then fused using electric shock (electrofusion) or chemical treatment (polyethylene glycol treatment). The resulting fused nucleus is called heterokaryon. This is then cultured using tissue culture technique to obtain the desired hybrid plant.