- Which of the following techniques is used for improving the genetic makeup of plants by transferring a desirable gene from one organism to another?
a) Mutation breeding
b) Genetic engineering
c) Polyploidy induction
d) Grafting
Answer: b) Genetic engineering
Explanation:
Genetic engineering involves the manipulation of an organism’s genome by introducing, removing, or altering genetic material to produce desired traits. This is commonly done through recombinant DNA technology.
- The variety of wheat that was instrumental in the success of the Green Revolution in India is:
a) IR-8
b) Kalyan Sona
c) Taichung Native-1
d) Pusa Basmati
Answer: b) Kalyan Sona
Explanation:
Kalyan Sona was a high-yielding, disease-resistant variety of wheat that played a major role in the Green Revolution in India, leading to a significant increase in wheat production.
- Somatic hybridization refers to:
a) Fusion of two somatic cells from different plants
b) Crossing two different species of plants
c) Fusion of a gamete and a somatic cell
d) Cloning of plants through tissue culture
Answer: a) Fusion of two somatic cells from different plants
Explanation:
Somatic hybridization involves the fusion of protoplasts (cells without cell walls) from two different plant species or varieties to create a hybrid. This technique is used in plant breeding to combine desirable traits from different species.
- Which of the following is a key feature of organic farming?
a) Use of chemical fertilizers
b) Use of genetically modified organisms
c) Use of biofertilizers and organic manure
d) Extensive monoculture practices
Answer: c) Use of biofertilizers and organic manure
Explanation:
Organic farming promotes the use of natural inputs like biofertilizers, compost, and organic manure instead of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. It also emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices and crop diversity.
- The term ‘totipotency’ is important in plant biotechnology because it explains how:
a) Cells lose their ability to divide
b) Plant cells can revert to stem cells
c) A single cell can regenerate a whole plant
d) Fertilization is bypassed in plant reproduction
Answer: c) A single cell can regenerate a whole plant
Explanation:
Totipotency refers to the inherent capacity of plant cells to regenerate into an entire organism. This principle underlies many tissue culture techniques used in biotechnology for plant propagation.
- Which of the following is an example of a biofertilizer?
a) NPK fertilizers
b) Mycorrhiza
c) Urea
d) DAP (Diammonium Phosphate)
Answer: b) Mycorrhiza
Explanation:
Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots, which helps in enhancing nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, making it a type of biofertilizer.
- Hybrid Vigour or Heterosis is the term used to describe:
a) Reduced fertility in hybrid plants
b) Increased yield and performance of hybrid offspring
c) Decline in crop quality over generations
d) Decreased disease resistance in hybrids
Answer: b) Increased yield and performance of hybrid offspring
Explanation:
Heterosis, or hybrid vigour, refers to the phenomenon where the offspring of a hybrid cross exhibit improved traits like higher yields, better disease resistance, and faster growth compared to the parent plants.
- Micropropagation is a technique used for:
a) Increasing genetic variability in plants
b) Growing plants in soil-free environments
c) Cloning plants through tissue culture
d) Developing insect-resistant plants
Answer: c) Cloning plants through tissue culture
Explanation:
Micropropagation is a tissue culture technique used to produce large numbers of identical plants (clones) from a small amount of plant tissue. This method is particularly useful for multiplying plants with desirable traits quickly and efficiently.
- The breeding and management of fish in ponds and other water bodies is known as:
a) Apiculture
b) Pisciculture
c) Sericulture
d) Agriculture
Answer: b) Pisciculture
Explanation:
Pisciculture, also known as fish farming, involves the breeding, rearing, and management of fish in controlled environments like ponds, tanks, or cages. This is an important method for increasing fish production to meet the growing demand for food.
- Golden Rice is a genetically modified variety of rice that is rich in:
a) Iron
b) Vitamin A
c) Zinc
d) Protein
Answer: b) Vitamin A
Explanation:
Golden Rice is genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A. This biofortified rice is designed to combat Vitamin A deficiency, which is a major health issue in developing countries.
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