Question

The steps involved in the process of somatic hybridization are:
A. Regeneration of hybrid plants
B. Fusion of the protoplasts of desired species/varieties
C. Isolation of protoplasts
D. Identification and selection of somatic hybrid cells
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B, D, C
• B. A, C, D, B
• C. C, B, D, A
• D. C, D, B, A

Hint:

Workflow: Get the cells (C) $\rightarrow$ Mix them (B) $\rightarrow$ Pick the winners (D) $\rightarrow$ Grow the plant (A).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Somatic hybridization (protoplast fusion) bypasses sexual barriers. The process follows a strict "bottom-up" cellular approach.

Step 1: Initial Separation (C).
The foundation of the process is the Isolation of protoplasts (C) from the parental species. You cannot fuse cells until you have removed their rigid cell walls.

Step 2: The Merger (B).
Once isolated, the Fusion of the protoplasts (B) occurs using chemical agents (like PEG) or electrical pulses. This creates a mixture of fused and unfused cells.

Step 3: Sorting and Growth (D and A).
Not every cell in the mix is a hybrid. Therefore, the next crucial step is the Identification and selection (D) of the true somatic hybrid cells. Only after these specific cells are confirmed can they be moved to the final stage: the Regeneration of hybrid plants (A) via tissue culture.