Somatic Hybridization MCQs Somatic hybridization is a plant biotechnology technique utilized in the production of hybrid plants through the fusion of somatic cells from two plants. Through this technique, the genetic material between two species that cannot interbreed naturally can be transferred, generating hybrids with desirable characteristics from each parental plant. This post discusses somatic hybridization as a concept, its application, and the methods involved in the production of somatic hybrids. For students of CSS Competitive Exam, the understanding of somatic hybridization is vital for the right answer in plant biotechnology, genetic engineering, and improvement in crops.
Techniques used in Somatic Hybridization
Somatic hybridization includes some main steps: isolation of protoplasts, protoplast fusion, and selection of hybrid cells. Protoplasts are cells of a plant which have their cell wall removed and the cell membrane only left. The protoplasts are fused through processes such as electrofusion, chemical fusion, or mechanical fusion. After fusion, the hybrid cells that are formed have the genetic material of both parent plants. Hybrid cells are cultured in a growth and development-promoting medium after fusion. Successful hybrid cells are selected on the basis of the expression of desirable characteristics. Somatic hybridization is widely applied in the production of polyploid plants and for the bypassing of barriers to interspecific hybridization.
Applications of Somatic Hybridization in Plant Breeding
Somatic hybridization has many uses in plant breeding and genetic enhancement. It is especially helpful in the production of hybrids between genera or species that are unable to interbreed via conventional sexual reproduction. For example, somatic hybridization can be employed to merge the disease resistance of one plant species with the high yield capacity of another to produce a hybrid plant with improved characteristics. It is also applied in the creation of genetically modified crops, crop improvement, and environmental stress tolerances like drought, salinity, and high and low temperatures. Somatic hybrids have been produced in numerous crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, and tobacco to enhance resistance to pests, diseases, and the environment.
Limitations and Challenges of Somatic Hybridization
Although somatic hybridization promises great potential, the technique has limitations and challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the low rate of protoplast fusion efficiency and the challenge of regenerating whole plants from hybrid cells. Additionally, the hybrid plants tend to be genetically unstable, which impacts their growth and development. In other instances, the hybrid plants can be non-viable or have undesirable characteristics, including poor fertility or low adaptability to the environment. Besides, there are ethical and regulatory issues surrounding the utilization of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that can constrain the use of somatic hybridization in some nations.
For CSS Competitive Exam aspirants, it is crucial to learn about the process, applications, and limitations of somatic hybridization since it is a primary tool in current plant biotechnology. The MCQs here will check your understanding of somatic hybridization, its application in crop improvement, and its potential benefits and drawbacks in plant genetic engineering. Such knowledge is crucial for solving questions on biotechnology, crop enhancement, and eco-friendly agriculture practices.
