Totipotency refers to

Options

A. capacity to generate genetically identical plants
B. capacity to generate a whole plant from any plant cell/explant
C. capacity to generate hybrid protoplasts
D. recovery of healthy plants from diseased plants.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Totipotency**:
- Totipotency is derived from the Latin word meaning "ability for all." It refers to the capacity of a single cell to develop into a complete organism.

2. **Example of Totipotency in Plants**:
- For instance, if we take a single cell from a plant and place it in a nutrient medium, this cell can undergo division. After several divisions, it can differentiate into various types of cells that make up the entire plant.

3. **Formation of Complete Organism**:
- The single cell can give rise to multiple cells (for example, from one cell to nine other cells), ultimately leading to the formation of a complete individual organism.

4. **Totipotent Cells in Embryos**:
- In animals, totipotency is exhibited by embryonic cells during the early stages of development. These cells have the potential to form all the tissues and organs of the organism.

5. **Importance of Totipotency**:
- This ability is crucial in the early stages of development because it allows for the formation of all necessary cell types that will make up the organism.

**Final Answer**:
Totipotency refers to the ability of a single cell to develop into a complete organism, as seen in certain cells like embryonic cells and plant cells.

---