Question

Given below are a few statements regarding somatic hybridization.Choose the correct statements.

(i) protoplasts of different cells of the same plant are fused
(ii) protoplasts from cells of different species can be fused
(iii) treatment of cells with cellulase and pectinase is mandatory
(iv) the hybrid protoplast contains characters of only one parental protoplast.

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

Answer 1

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

Somatic hybridisation is a process of genetic modification in plants by the fusion of protoplasts of two plants belonging to different species which generates a hybrid plant with desired characteristics.

Desired protoplasts are isolated by the cell wall digesting enzymes like pectinase, cellulase and hemicellulase. Fusion of desired protoplast is done either physically or chemically.

Final answer: d. (ii) and (iii).