Pomato is the product of

Options

A. Interspecific hybridization
B. Intergeneric hybridization
C. Intrageneric hybridization
D. Somatic hybridization

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Pomato**: Pomato is a hybrid plant that results from the fusion of two different species: potato (Solanum tuberosum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).

2. **Identifying the Hybridization Type**: The process that creates Pomato is known as somatic hybridization. This involves the fusion of protoplasts (the living part of a plant cell without its cell wall) from the two different species.

3. **Extraction of Protoplasts**: To begin the process, protoplasts are extracted from both potato and tomato plants. This involves breaking down the cell walls of the plant cells.

4. **Digestion of Cell Walls**: The cell walls are digested using specific enzymes, namely pectinase and cellulase. This step is crucial as it removes the physical barrier that prevents the fusion of the two protoplasts.

5. **Fusion of Protoplasts**: Once the cell walls are digested, the protoplasts from the potato and tomato can be fused together. This fusion results in a hybrid cell that contains genetic material from both parent plants.

6. **Characteristics of Pomato**: The resulting hybrid, Pomato, exhibits characteristics from both the potato and tomato, combining traits from both species.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that Pomato is the product of somatic hybridization.

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