Question:

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other is labelled as Reason (R)
Assertion (A) : Germplasm can be preserved for longer period under cryopreservation at $-296^{\circ}\text{C}$.
Reason (R) : There is minimal loss of genetic information through cryopreservation
In light of above statements, choose the most appropriate answers from the options given below.

Show Hint

Always double-check scientific values in Assertion-Reason questions.
The temperature for liquid nitrogen storage is always $-196^{\circ}\text{C}$.
Spotting $-296^{\circ}\text{C}$ as physically impossible makes solving this question very straightforward.
  • Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
  • (A) is not correct but (R) is correct
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question focuses on cryopreservation, which is a method of preserving cells, tissues, or organs at ultra-low temperatures to maintain their viability and genetic stability over long periods.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us evaluate both statements:
Assertion (A): "Germplasm can be preserved for longer period under cryopreservation at $-296^{\circ\text{C}$."}
This statement is incorrect.
In physics, absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature, defined as $-273.15^{\circ}\text{C}$ ($0\text{ K}$).
Therefore, a temperature of $-296^{\circ}\text{C}$ is physically impossible.
Cryopreservation is actually carried out in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of $-196^{\circ}\text{C}$ ($77\text{ K}$).
At this temperature, all metabolic and biochemical processes are virtually arrested, allowing for long-term storage.
Because of this physical error, Assertion (A) is false.
Reason (R): "There is minimal loss of genetic information through cryopreservation"
This statement is correct.
Because metabolic activity and cell division are suspended at $-196^{\circ}\text{C}$, genetic changes, mutations, and cellular decay are prevented.
This ensures the stored germplasm remains genetically stable over long periods.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Assertion (A) is incorrect, but Reason (R) is correct.
This corresponds to Option (D).
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