Question

'Pomato' a hybrid of potato and tomato was produced through-

• A. Shoot tip culture
• B. Anther culture
• C. Somatic hybridization
• D. Seed culture

Hint:

Somatic hybridization is the go-to technique for overcoming sexual incompatibility between plant species. Remember 'Pomato' as the classic example of this application.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept Overview:
The question concerns the method used to produce the 'Pomato' plant, a combination of potato and tomato. Although these plants are in the same genus (Solanum), they are different species (Solanum tuberosum and Solanum lycopersicum) and cannot be conventionally crossbred sexually.
Step 2: In-Depth Explanation:
The 'Pomato' is created using somatic hybridization, a biotechnological technique.
The process involves:
Isolating protoplasts (plant cells without cell walls) from potato and tomato somatic cells.
Fusing these protoplasts using fusogens, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a mild electric shock.
The resulting hybrid protoplast contains the genetic material of both plants.
Culturing this hybrid protoplast in vitro on a suitable medium to regenerate the cell wall and develop a callus, which is then induced to form a hybrid plant.
This technique enables the creation of hybrids between sexually incompatible species.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Somatic hybridization, the fusion of somatic cells, is the method used to produce the 'Pomato'.