[Campbell Biology P.885] Plant tissue culture is described as a method for propagating plant... | Practice Question

Plant tissue culture is described as a method for propagating plants. Which of the following is a primary advantage of using this technique, as mentioned in the text?

  • A: It allows for the rapid generation of genetically diverse plant populations.
  • B: It is crucial for producing virus-free material from vegetatively propagated varieties.
  • C: It requires less specialized equipment and sterile conditions compared to traditional grafting.
  • D: It is primarily used to enhance the nutritional value of common food crops.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'Plant tissue culture is important in eliminating weakly pathogenic viruses from vegetatively propagated varieties.' It also mentions its role in genetic engineering, but the virus-free aspect is a direct, significant advantage for propagation.