Selecting herbicide-resistant somaclones via tissue culture Plant tissue culture and somaclonal variation can be exploited to select variants with altered traits. Which option correctly describes a common selection goal achieved using this approach?

Introduction / Context:
Somaclonal variation arises during plant cell and tissue culture and provides a pool of genetic and epigenetic diversity. By applying selection pressure in vitro, breeders and biotechnologists can isolate rare variants with desirable agronomic traits without transgene introduction.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Callus or cell suspensions are exposed to selective agents (e.g., herbicides).
• Surviving cells are regenerated into plants and screened.
• Herbicide resistance is a well-established selection use case.

Concept / Approach:

Media supplemented with a herbicide (or analog) kills sensitive cells but allows spontaneous or induced resistant variants to proliferate. Regenerated plants are subsequently validated in greenhouse/field trials, and stable resistance can be fixed through breeding.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Numerous case studies document tissue-culture selection of herbicide-tolerant variants (e.g., ALS/AHAS inhibitor tolerance), validating this application.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Options describing deliberate selection of non-resistance are illogical goals. Insecticide resistance of insects is not a plant tissue culture outcome. Pigment changes can occur but are not the common targeted objective in this context.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing somaclonal selection with transgenic herbicide resistance; both exist but use different mechanisms.

Final Answer:

Isolation of herbicide-resistant somaclones