Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: After immobilization, plant cells are subjected to stress to induce secondary metabolite production.
Statement II: Cells derived from different explants in culture always produce the same set of secondary metabolites.

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true.

Hint:

Elicitors (stress) act like a "push" to make plant cells produce defensive chemicals (metabolites).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept
Plant cell culture is used for the large-scale production of valuable secondary metabolites.

Step 2: Meaning
Secondary metabolites are often "defense" chemicals produced in response to environmental triggers.

Step 3: Analysis
Statement I is true: stress (elicitation) is a common technique to boost production in immobilized cell systems. Statement II is false: the metabolic profile varies significantly depending on the source tissue (explant), the age of the culture, and the growth conditions.

Step 4: Conclusion
Since stress is a valid inducer but explant source does affect the output, Statement I is true and Statement II is false. Final Answer: (C)