Somatic hybrids are created by

Options

A. Fusion of hybrid cells
B. Fusion of cell walls of two somatic cells
C. Fusion of isolated protoplast
D. Fusion of gametes

Answer

To solve the question "Somatic hybrids are created by", we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Somatic Hybrids**:
- Somatic hybrids are the result of the fusion of somatic cells (non-reproductive cells) from different plant species or varieties.

2. **Isolation of Cells**:
- The first step in creating somatic hybrids is to isolate the cells from the plants. This involves selecting the specific plant cells that will be used for fusion.

3. **Digesting the Cell Wall**:
- Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose. To create somatic hybrids, the cell walls of the isolated cells must be digested or removed to obtain naked protoplasts (the living part of the cell, which includes the plasma membrane and cytoplasm).

4. **Obtaining Naked Protoplasts**:
- After digesting the cell walls, the naked protoplasts from two different plant varieties are obtained. These protoplasts contain the desirable genetic material from each parent plant.

5. **Fusion of Protoplasts**:
- The next step is to fuse these naked protoplasts. This can be achieved through various methods, such as using polyethylene glycol (PEG) or electrical pulses, which facilitate the merging of the plasma membranes of the two protoplasts.

6. **Formation of Hybrid Protoplasts**:
- Once the protoplasts are fused, they form hybrid protoplasts, which contain genetic material from both parent plants.

7. **Development of New Plants**:
- These hybrid protoplasts can then be cultured and grown into new plants, which exhibit traits from both parent species.

8. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, somatic hybrids are created by the fusion of isolated protoplasts, making the correct answer to the question the fusion of isolated protoplasts.

### Final Answer:
Somatic hybrids are created by the fusion of isolated protoplasts.