Question

Somatic hybridisation is most useful in case of

• A. Transfer of disease resistance genes from one species to another
• B. Transfer of stress resistance genes from one species to another
• C. Creating cytoplasmic male sterility
• D. Only A and C

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The correct options are
A Transfer of disease resistance genes from one species to another
B Transfer of stress resistance genes from one species to another
C Creating cytoplasmic male sterility

Somatic hybridisation involves the fusion of protoplasts of two different cells. This technique overcomes the barriers of interspecific hybridisation and allows transfer of disease resistance or stress resistance or other such traits between unrelated plant species. Also, the technique holds great importance in the formation of cytoplasmic male sterile lines, important for hybrid seed production.