Question

Define somatic hybridisation.

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition:
Somatic hybridisation is a technique of plant biotechnology in which the protoplasts (cells whose cell wall has been enzymatically removed) of two different plant varieties or species are fused together artificially, using chemical or electrical methods, to produce a hybrid protoplast.

Step 2: Outcome:
This hybrid protoplast is cultured to regenerate a complete hybrid plant that combines desirable characters from both parent plants — this bypasses the natural barriers of sexual incompatibility.

Step 3: Example:
'Pomato', a hybrid obtained by fusing protoplasts of potato and tomato, is a classic example of somatic hybridisation.

Final Answer:
\(\text{Somatic hybridisation is the artificial fusion of two somatic protoplasts to form a hybrid plant}\)