Question

Endangered plant species are conserved through
(a) Herbarium
(b) Gene library
(c) Gene bank
(d) Reducing pollution

Answer 1

Hint: Ex-situ conservation deals with the conservation of endangered species outside its natural habitat. This is mostly done by extracting the genetic material of both wild and cultivated plant species in the form of in- vitro cultures and seeds, which are stored in a repository/resource house.

Complete answer:
Endangered plant species are conserved through Gene bank. By this method, different genetic diversity is preserved and thus creates a genetic pool of different genetic material that acts as a resource house. The Gene bank is maintained as a repository for long- term use. Gene banks use low temperatures to prevent chemical and biological activity which may break down cells. Some banks freeze material in nitrogen at –196° Celsius (- 320.8° Fahrenheit). This freezing process replaces water in cells with another fluid, like glycerol. That fluid minimizes the development of ice crystals. Such crystals could damage cell walls. Later, during thawing, biologists will remove the glycerol or another fluid and return water to the cells The information in gene banks can be used by the farmers when they want to restore the genetic diversity or when they want to incorporate a new trait from other breeders or varieties.
Germplasm conservation is the most effective and successful method of conserving endangered plant species. It is very effective for the conservation of genetic traits of both cultivated and wild plants.
So, the answer is, ‘Gene bank.’

Note: - The information in Gene bank creates a pool of information that can be accessed from the Gene Library. - In plants, it's possible to unfreeze the genetic material and propagate it. However, for artificial insemination in animals, a living female is required. While it's often difficult to use frozen animal sperm and eggs. - The common term is given to an individual sample in a gene bank, such as a distinct species or variety is called Accession. - The herbarium is a storehouse of collected plant specimens that are dried, pressed, and preserved on the sheets. These sheets are preserved for future use.