Question:

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I) : Mutagen induced male sterility is heritable and male sterility induced by gametocide is non-heritable.
Statement (II) : Heterozygous population derived in garden pea will not segregate on selfing.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

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Any heterozygous diploid population ($Aa$) in a self-pollinated crop like pea will always undergo segregation upon selfing, reducing heterozygosity by 50% in each subsequent generation.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false.
  • Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
  • Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
To evaluate these statements, we must analyze the genetic principles of male sterility induction and the segregation patterns of self-pollinated diploid crops.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze both statements individually:
- Statement (I) is true: Mutagens induce stable, structural changes in either the nuclear DNA (genetic male sterility, GMS) or mitochondrial DNA (cytoplasmic male sterility, CMS).
These genetic alterations are incorporated into the plant's genome and are passed down to subsequent generations according to Mendelian inheritance laws.
In contrast, chemical hybridizing agents (gametocides) act physiologically by temporarily disrupting pollen development in the treated generation only.
Because they do not alter the underlying DNA sequence, gametocide-induced male sterility is strictly non-heritable.
- Statement (II) is false: Garden pea (Pisum sativum) is a diploid, strictly self-pollinated crop.
If a population is heterozygous for a trait (e.g., genotype $Aa$), self-pollination (selfing) will result in standard Mendelian segregation in the $F_2$ generation.
The offspring will segregate in a $1:2:1$ genotypic ratio ($1\ AA : 2\ Aa : 1\ aa$) and a $3:1$ phenotypic ratio if the dominant allele is fully expressed.
Therefore, stating that a heterozygous pea population will not segregate upon selfing is genetically incorrect.
Thus, Statement (I) is true, but Statement (II) is false.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The correct option is: Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
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