Question

Find out the correct sentence.
(i) Hybridization means crossing between genetically dissimilar plants.
(ii) Cross between two varieties is called as inter specific hybridisation.
(iii) Introducing genes of desired character into a plant gives genetically modified crop.
(iv) Cross between plants of two species is called as inter varietal hybridisation.

• A. (i) and (iii)
• B. (ii) and (iv)
• C. (ii) and (iii)
• D. (iii) and (iv)

Answer 1

The correct option is A (i) and (iii)

Hybridisation is defined as the process of interbreeding between two genetically divergent individuals or two individuals of different species. Therefore, the statement (i) is correct.
Interspecific hybridisation means cross mating between two different species but sharing same genera. For example, a cross breed between a lion and a tiger, they both are from same genus Panthera but different species. So the statement that cross between two varieties is called interspecific hybridisation is wrong.
I am a brinjal farmer, my brinjals are being infected by some beetles every year. I spend a huge sum of money on insecticides and pesticides to protect my crop. Then, a biotechnology company approaches me with a new strain or variety of brinjal plants which have the capability to produce a natural pesticide that makes it resistant to the beetles. My crop is not only saved, but I also get good yield of brinjals now and earn a lot of money. I do not have to spend extra money on pesticides and insecticides. Basically, I got a brinjal plant with gene of desired character and got a desired genetically modified brinjal plants. Therefore, the statement (iii) is correct.
When the parent plants cross bred are from the same species, but of different variety is called intervarietal hybridisation. For example, a cross bred between two different varieties of wheat plant. They belong to the same species but they are of different variety. Therefore, the statement (iv)is wrong.
Hence, we can conclude that (i) and (iii) are correct statements.