Protoplast Fusion and Somatic Hybrids — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2025Which of the following are fused in somatic hybridization involving two varieties of plants?
Which of the following are fused in somatic hybridization involving two varieties of plants?
Which of the following are fused in somatic hybridization involving two varieties of plants? (NEET 2024)
Answer & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: D — Protoplasts
In somatic hybridization, protoplasts (cells with cell walls removed) from two different plant varieties are fused together. This technique allows combining genetic material from different species. Protoplasts are essential because cell walls would prevent fusion. Callus is undifferentiated tissue, somatic embryos are developmental stages, and pollens are male gametes used in sexual reproduction.
Read more NCERT concept on the PYQ
Scientists have even isolated single cells from plants and after digesting their cell walls have been able to isolate naked protoplasts (surrounded by plasma membranes). Isolated protoplasts from two different varieties of plants – each having a desirable character – can be fused to get hybrid protoplasts, which can be further grown to form a new plant. These hybrids are called somatic hybrids while the process
NTA tests your understanding of protoplast technology: isolating naked protoplasts (without cell walls) by enzymatic digestion, then fusing protoplasts from two different plant varieties to create hybrid protoplasts with combined desirable traits. The key trap is confusing protoplasts with protoplasm or thinking cell walls can be present during fusion—they cannot. Students often misunderstand that somatic hybridization creates new plant varieties combining traits from both parents without sexual reproduction. Remember: protoplast = plasma membrane + cytoplasm + nucleus (no cell wall), and fusion requires naked protoplasts to make contact for successful merging and hybrid plant development.
What does NCERT say about Scientists have even isolated?
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