Why are plants obtained by protoplast culture called somatic hybrids?
Plants obtained by protoplast culture are called somatic hybrids because they are formed by the fusion of isolated protoplasts from two different varieties of plants, each having a desirable character, to obtain a hybrid protoplast which can be further grown to form a plant.
What is protoplast fusion?
The ability of protoplasts obtained from two different cells to fuse and form a hybrid protoplast is called protoplast fusion.
Why is it easier to culture meristems compared to permanent tissues?
Meristems have the capacity to divide continuously throughout their life. Their walls are thin and elastic to facilitate the division, hence are suitable for tissue culture.
Permanent cells lose their ability to divide and their walls are thick. They have to differentiate to divide, hence are not easier to culture.
Why are proteins synthesised from Spirulina called single cell proteins?
Single cell proteins are proteins obtained from unicellular organisms/microorganisms. Spirulina is one such unicellular microbe. So, the proteins synthesised by Spirulina are called single cell proteins.
A person who is allergic to pulses was advised to take a capsule of Spirulina daily. Give the reasons for the advise.
The person with allergies to pulses is advised to take Spirulina daily due to the following reasons
(i) It could be a substitute for protein rich pulses.
(ii) Spirulina is rich in beta-carotene and anti-oxidants besides all essential amino acids that help in improving the allergic symptoms appeared due to consumption of pulses.