Question:

Given below are two statements
Statement I: A chimera is a mixture of tissues of genetically different constitutions on the same part of plant.
Statement II: The differences usually arise due to irregular meiosis.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

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Chimeras are strictly vegetative/somatic anomalies. Since they occur in somatic tissues, they are maintained through mitosis and vegetative propagation. Meiosis plays no role in chimera formation.
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
  • Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
  • Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A plant chimera is a single organism composed of two or more genetically distinct cell layers.
It is an important biological phenomenon in vegetative propagation, plant histology, and ornamental horticulture.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze both statements:
Statement I Analysis: A chimera contains cells of different genetic makeups growing adjacent to each other within the same plant tissues.
This usually occurs in shoot apical meristems where cell layers (L1, L2, L3) undergo somatic mutations. This is a standard, correct definition. Thus, Statement I is correct.
Statement II Analysis: The genetic differences in chimeras arise from somatic mutations (mitotic mutations) occurring in growing vegetative apical buds, or through graft-chimeras at the graft union.
Meiosis is a reduction division occurring exclusively during gametogenesis (sexual reproduction).
Anomalies or irregular meiosis would affect the entire seed embryo, resulting in a genetically uniform mutated offspring rather than a sector of genetically different somatic tissues in a single plant.
Therefore, chimeras arise due to somatic mitosis mutations, not irregular meiosis. Thus, Statement II is incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect, making option (C) the correct choice.
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