Question

Somatic hybridization is achieved through
A) Grafting
B) Protoplast fusion
C) Conjugation
D) Recombinant DNA technology

Answer 1

Hint:Naturally occurring or mediated merger of two genetically different parents' somatic protoplasts or cells. The distinction may be as broad as it is inter-specific.

Complete answer:
First, we should know about somatic hybridization to answer this question. Somatic hybridization relates to the merger of somatic cells of two separate organisms/species to create, without sexual fusion intervention, a somatic hybrid bearing genes from both parents.
Now, let us find the solution from the options-
>Grafting is a micropropagation horticultural procedure whereby tissues from one plant are incorporated into all those of others to encourage the joining together between two sets of vascular tissues. Thus, option A is not the correct option.
>Protoplast fusion is a technique for producing genetic alteration of plants by the combination of protoplast from two different plant species to create a new hybrid plant, a somatic hybrid, with the features of both.
>Conjugation is the exchange of genetic material through the conjugation tube among two bacterial strains and is thus a form of sexual reproduction of bacteria. Thus, option C is not the correct option.
>Recombinant DNA technology involves recombinant DNA creation methods that bring DNA from two distinct origins. It also involves the development of a line of species all bearing the same recombinant DNA molecule since a line of genetically identical species is increasing and amplifying, the rDNA molecule is therefore amplified and the gene cloning is then named.

Thus, the correct answer is option (B) Protoplast fusion.

Note:Cybrids are known as broad synthetic hybrids formed in this manner (i.e. not through the gametic fusion). Not all cybrids require the entire genetic information of all parents.