Question

Which of the following option is wrong with respect to somatic hybridisation?

• A. It is fusion of two plant cells belonging to two different varieties, species or even genera
• B. Pomato is the intergeneric hybrid of potato and brinjal
• C. The protoplast of two cells can be fused by electrofusion
• D. Pomato is not commercially viable

Answer 1

The correct option is B Pomato is the intergeneric hybrid of potato and brinjal

Somatic hybridization is a technique which allows the fusion of protoplasts of plants belonging to different varieties, species or genus.

In somatic hybridization the cells are first treated with enzymes like cellulase and pectinase to remove the cell wall. The plant cells lacking cell wall are called protoplasts. The protoplasts are then allowed to fuse by either placing the cells in high voltage electric field (electrofusion) or by using chemicals like polyethylene glycol (PEG). Fusion of protoplasts involves the fusion of cytoplasm and nuclei. The fused protoplasts are allowed to grow on culture medium. Soon they regenerate cell wall and further divisions of cell results in the formation of plantlets.

Figure : Protoplast fusion

Pomato is an intergeneric hybrid variety of potato and tomato. However, this plant did not have all the desired combination of characteristics for its commercial utilisation. It is not economically viable for the farmers.