Which one of the following genes can be used to generate male sterile crop plants?
Which one of the following genes can be used to generate male sterile crop plants?
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
Barnase-barstar system for creating male-sterile plants:Hybrid seed production requires male-sterile female plants (to prevent self-pollination). The barnase/barstar system achieves this:• Barnase: A ribonuclease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.• When expressed under the tapetum-specific promoter (TA29) in anthers → barnase degrades RNA in tapetal cells → tapetal cells die → no viable pollen produced → MALE STERILITY.• Barstar: The natural inhibitor of barnase. When expressed in pollen of the 'restorer' line, barstar inhibits barnase → restores fertility.Application in hybrid breeding:1. Line A (male-sterile): TA29::barnase2. Line B (restorer): TA29::barstar3. Cross A×B: hybrid seeds are male-fertile (contain barstar)This system is used in hybrid oilseed rape (canola) production.Answer: Barnase expressed in anthers kills tapetal cells → no pollen formed → male sterility for hybrid seed production.