AIIMS 2019 Biology Micropropagation MCQ Question

Virus-free plants can be generated through meristem culture because the meristematic tissue, which is located at the tips of roots and shoots, is typically free from viral pathogens. This technique exploits the fact that viruses do not usually infect these actively dividing cells, allowing for the propagation of healthy plants.

In contrast, somatic hybridization (B) involves the fusion of somatic cells, which may still carry viral infections, while callus culture (C) focuses on undifferentiated plant cells that can also harbor viruses. Micropropagation (D) can produce large numbers of plants, but without the specific targeting of meristems, it does not guarantee the elimination of viral pathogens.