Question

Parasexual hybridization refers to the fusion of
A. Male gamete with female gamete.
B. Male gamete with synergid.
C. Somatic protoplasts.
D. Male gamete with somatic cell.

Answer 1

Hint: Parasexual hybridization is a non-sexual process by which two-parent genomes can be combined. It is a non-sexual approach by the fusion of cells having different properties. Hybridization is used for the fusion of protoplasts.

Complete answer: Parasexual hybridization is a non-sexual procedure that involves the combination of cells with different features for the transfer of the genetic material. It allows the genome of two suitable parents, regardless of their taxonomic relationship, to be combined. A large number of intergeneric, asymmetric hybrids, interfamily or intertribal symmetrical allotetraploid somatic hybrids and somatic hybrids were developed using cell fusion. The creation of new combinations of nuclear or cytoplasmic genomes leading to the enrichment of the current gene pool is a particular advantage of parasexual hybridization. Parasexual hybridization is a non-sexual procedure with different features for the exchange of genetic material through cell fusion. For hybridization, the fusion protoplast technique is used. Protoplasts are cells that do not have any cell wall. The absence of cell walls helps to eliminate the fusion barriers. The fusion of somatic protoplasts from two plants can be achieved mechanically or with additives, fusogenic. The only way to recombine two different parent genomes between plants that cannot reproduce sexually is somatic protoplast hybridization. Thus, choice C is the correct response. Somatic protoplasts, that is.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Note: Parasexual hybrids have been produced by parasexual procedures. Protoplasts of Nicotiana glauca and N. langsdorffii were isolated, fused, and induced to regenerate into plants. The somatic hybrids were extracted from a mixed population of parental and fused protoplasts by a selective screening method that relies on differential growth of the hybrid on defined culture media.