Question

Which of the following is the best method of germplasm conservation?
A. Herbarium
B. Botanical garden
C. Seed bank
D. Zoological park

Answer 1

Hint: Germplasm conservation is the best strategy to conserve the hereditary characteristics or genetic traits of endangered and economically important species. Germplasm is a live data source for all the genes present in the plant, which can be preserved for significant stretches and regenerated at whatever point it is needed later on.

Complete Answer:
- Germplasm contains the information for an animal species genetic makeup, an important natural asset of plant diversity. Agriculture benefits from consistency among crop plants inside a variety, which ensures reliable and consistent yields and makes the management simpler.
- Various plants' genetic diversity is additionally safeguarded and this creates a pool of various genes that goes about as a resource house (gene bank/library) for new or unidentified species. This gene bank likewise helps the in vitro testing of germplasms for their genetic adjustments (transgene) and to screen the germplasms among them.
- Genetic variations lead to the loss of hereditary information of prior ages, which makes germplasm conservation a significant viewpoint to preserve this information regarding endangered, primitive, or even any current species.
- Germplasm conservation incorporates: Breeding lines, Cultivated species, Commercial varieties, Special hereditary stocks, Landraces, Wild species (for direct use (crop species) and roundabout use (as root stocks).
- Seed banks are the best technique for germplasm protection. It stores seeds to protect the genetic diversity. Seeds stay suitable for hundreds and even thousands of years. In this way, it is the best method to battle the loss of hereditary variety in rare or risked plant species with an end goal to preserve biodiversity ex-situ.

Therefore, the right answer is C, i.e. Seed bank.

Note: The International Board of Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR) is a global association that has been perceived for germplasm conservation and offers basic help for collection, conservation, and use of plant genetic resources all through the world.