Question

Virus free plants can be grown by : -

• A. Embryo culture
• B. Apical meristem culture
• C. Callus culture
• D. Organ culture

Hint:

Remember this key fact: The apical meristem is a "sanctuary" from viruses in an infected plant due to its rapid cell division and lack of vascular tissue. This makes it ideal for producing clean stock.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept Overview:
The problem requires identifying a plant tissue culture method used to generate virus-free plants.
Step 2: In-Depth Analysis:
The apical meristem, or shoot growing tip, often remains virus-free even in systemically infected plants. This is primarily due to:
Rapid cell division in the meristem, which surpasses viral replication and spread.
The absence of a fully developed vascular system (xylem and phloem) in the apical meristem, hindering long-distance viral transport.
Consequently, excising the apical meristem (sometimes with a few leaf primordia) and culturing it in vitro, a process known as meristem tip culture, allows for the regeneration of a virus-free plant that is genetically identical to the infected parent.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Apical meristem culture is the most common and effective technique for producing virus-free plants from infected stock.