Question

Parasexual hybridization refers to the fusion of

• A. Male gamete with female gamete.
• B. Male gamete with synergid.
• C. Somatic protoplasts.
• D. Male gamete with somatic cell.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Somatic protoplasts.

Parasexual hybridization is a nonsexual mechanism of transferring genetic material by fusion of cells of different characteristics. Protoplast fusion technique is used for hybridization. Protoplasts are cells without a cell wall. The absence of cell walls helps to overcome barriers for fusion. Fusion of somatic protoplasts of two plants can be achieved mechanically or by using chemicals, fusogens. Somatic protoplast hybridization is the only way through which two different parental genomes can be recombined among plants that cannot reproduce sexually. So, the correct answer is C