Question:medium

To obtain virus-free healthy plants from a diseased one by tissue culture technique, which part/parts of the diseased plant will be taken?

Updated On: Apr 20, 2026
  • Palisade parenchyma

  • Both apical and axillary meristems
  • Epidermis only
  • Apical meristem only
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

 To solve this question, we need to understand which parts of a diseased plant can be used to obtain virus-free plants through the tissue culture technique.

Concept Explanation: The principle behind obtaining virus-free plants using tissue culture lies in the fact that certain parts of the plant, specifically meristems, are less likely to be infected by viruses. This is because meristems, which are regions of active cell division, often grow faster than the virus can spread.

Key Terms:

  • Apical Meristem: The region at the tip of a plant shoot or root that consists of actively dividing cells.
  • Axillary Meristem: A meristem that forms in the axils of leaves and has the potential to develop into a branch.
  • Virus-Free Plant Production: Use of tissue culture from meristems to ensure rapid growth and bypass viral infection.

 

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Identify Meristem Locations: The apical and axillary meristems are actively dividing cells in the plant that often remain free from virus invasion.
  2. Select Tissue: Because the virus does not rapidly spread to these areas or cannot keep pace with their rapid cell division, using both apical and axillary meristems increases the chances of obtaining virus-free plants.
  3. Advantages: By using both types of meristems, there are better chances not only of removing the virus but also of promoting diverse and healthy growth through tissue culture techniques.

 

Conclusion: The correct answer is "Both apical and axillary meristems". This is because these regions are less likely to be infected by viruses due to their rapid growth, thereby facilitating the production of virus-free plants.

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