UPSC Prelims 2014 Q67: Science & Technology – Biotechnology & Genetics
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of
plants?
1. Vegetative propagation produces clonal population.
2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus.
3. Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the year.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Vegetative propagation of plants
Vegetative propagation grows new plants from a stem, root or leaf, without seeds.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Vegetative propagation produces clonal population | Correct | Offspring are genetically identical to the parent |
| 2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus | Incorrect | A virus in the parent is passed on to every new plant |
| 3. Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the year | Correct | It does not wait for the flowering and seed season |
Methods:
| Method | Example |
|---|---|
| Cutting | Sugarcane, rose |
| Grafting and budding | Mango, apple |
| Layering | Jasmine |
| Tuber, bulb, rhizome | Potato, onion, ginger |
Virus-free plants are obtained by meristem (tissue) culture, not by ordinary vegetative propagation.
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true: it can be done most of the year.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; it spreads viruses instead of eliminating them.
- (c) CORRECT. It gives a clonal population and can be practised most of the year.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; viruses pass to the new plants.
Key point
Vegetative propagation: clones of the parent, possible most of the year, but carries viruses forward. Virus-free plants come from meristem culture.
Remember
Vegetative propagation = clones, virus carried along.
Common mistakes
- Thinking vegetative propagation cleans the plant of viruses.
- Confusing it with tissue culture of the meristem.
- Forgetting that clones lack genetic variation.
Exam tip
Clone the plant, clone its virus. Only the virus-free meristem tip escapes.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Biology (Reproduction in Organisms; Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production: tissue culture)
- NCERT Class X — Science, Ch 7 (How do Organisms Reproduce?)