Question

Genetically improved crop varieties can be developed in laboratory by

• A. Somatic hybridization
• B. Transgenic technology
• C. Somaclonal variation
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

All of the above

There are different techniques which can be used to develop the genetically improved plants. Somatic hybridization is also called as somatic fusion or protoplast fusion. This is a type of genetic modification in plants. The protoplast of two species of plants is fused together to form a new hybrid plant with the characteristics of both. This type of hybrid is called as a somatic hybrid.

The transgenic technology includes cleavage of the desired DNA fragment and then the introduction of the desired gene in the host organisms. This helps in the development of the crops which are genetically modified.

Somaclonal variation is the technique in which the same type of cells are produced in the tissue culture. These cells have certain genetic variations.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.