Discuss how the property of plant cell totipotency has been utilised for plant propagation and improvement
The capacity to generate a whole plant from any cell/explant is called totipotency. By application of these methods it is possible to achieve propagation of a large number of plants in very short durations. This method of producing thousands of plants through tissue culture is called micro propagation. Each of these plants will be genetically identical to the original plant from which they were grown, i.e., they are somaclones. Many important food plants like tomato, banana, apple, etc., have been produced on a commercial scale using this method. Try to visit a tissue culture laboratory with your teacher to better understand and appreciate the process.
Another important application ef the method is the recovery of healthy plants from diseased plants. Although the plant is infected with a virus, the meristem (apical and axillary) is free of virus. Hence, one can remove the meristem and grow it in vitro to obtain virus-free plants. Scientists have succeeded in culturing meristems of banana, sugarcane, potato, etc.
In animal husbandry, if two closely related animals are mated for a few generations, it results in loss of fertility and vigour. Why is this so?
Define the term stress' for plants. Discuss briefly the two types of stress encountered by plants.
Life style diseases are increasing alarmingly in India. We are also dealing with large scale malnutrition in the population. Is there any method by which we can address both of these problems together?
Discuss natural selection and artificial selection. What are the implications of the latter on the process of evolution?
Can gamma rays used for crop improvement programmes prove to be harmful for health? Discuss.
It is said, that diseases are spreading faster due to globalisation and increased movement of people. Justify the statement taking the example of H5N1 virus.
Name the improved characteristics of wheat that helped India to achieve green revolution.
(a) The shift from grain to meat diets creates more demands for cereals. Why? (b) A250 kg cow produces 200 g of protein per day but 250 g of Methylophillus methylotrophus can produce 25 tonnes of protein. Name this emerging area of research. Explain its benefits.
If your family owned a dairy farm, what measures would you undertake to improve the quality and quantity of milk production?
Plants raised through tissue cultures are clones of the parent' plant. Discuss the utility of these plants.
You are planning to set up a Dairy Farm. Describe the various aspects you would consider before you start the venture.
Modem methods of breeding animals and plants can alleviate the global food shortage'. Comment on the statement and give suitable examples.
A few statements are given below followed by a set of terms in a box. Pick the correct term and write it against the appropriate statement.
a. Mating of closely related individuals within the same breed
b. Mating of animals of same breed but having no common ancestors on either side for 4-6 generations
c. Mating of animals of two different species
d. Breeding of animals belonging to different breeds
(i) Cross breeding, (ii) Inter-specific hybridization,
(iii) Out breeding, (iv) Out crossing, (v) Inbreeding
In the area of plant breeding, it is important not only to preserve the seeds of the variety being cultivated, but also to preserve all its wild relatives. Explain with a suitable example.
A farmer was facing the problem of low yield from his farm. He was advised to keep a beehive in the vicinity. Why? How would the beehive help in enhancing yield?
Is there any relationship between dedifferentiation and the higher degree of success achieved in plant tissue culture experiments?
Does apiculture offer multiple advantages to farmers? List its advantages if it is located near a place of commercial flower Cultivation.
In the area of plant breeding, it is important not only to preserve the seeds of the variety being cultivated, but also to preserve all its wild relatives. Explain with a suitable example.
A person who is allergic to pulses was advised to take a capsule of Spirulina daily. Give the reasons for the advise.
You are a Botanist working in the area of plant breeding. Describe the various steps that you will undertake to release a new variety.
Discuss how the property of plant cell totipotency has been utilised for plant propagation and improvement
What are three options to increase food production? Discuss each giving the salient features, merits and demerits.
How can we improve the success rate of fertilisation during artificial insemination in animal husbandry programmes?
Give me a living cell of any plant and I will give you a thousand plants of the same type". Is this only a slogan or is it scientifically possible? Write your comments and justify them.
What is the difference between n breed and a species? Give an example for each category.
Name the methods employed in animal breeding. According to you which of the methods is best? Why?