Somaclones are

Options

A. somatic hybrids
B. genetically identical to the original plant
C. used to recover disease free plants
D. sterile plants.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Somaclones**: Somaclones are plants that are produced through tissue culture techniques. This means they are developed from somatic (non-reproductive) cells of a plant.

2. **Identifying Key Characteristics**: The key characteristic of somaclones is that they are genetically identical to the original plant from which they are derived. This is because they are produced from a single cell or a group of cells that have the same genetic makeup.

3. **Reviewing the Options**: The question provides four options:
- (A) Somatic hybrids
- (B) Genetically identical to the original plants
- (C) Used to recover diseased plants
- (D) Sterile plants

4. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- (A) Somatic hybrids: This refers to plants that are created by fusing somatic cells from two different plants, which is not the definition of somaclones.
- (B) Genetically identical to the original plants: This accurately describes somaclones, as they are clones of the original plant.
- (C) Used to recover diseased plants: While tissue culture can be used for this purpose, it does not define somaclones specifically.
- (D) Sterile plants: Somaclones can be sterile or fertile; this does not define them.

5. **Selecting the Correct Answer**: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is (B) Genetically identical to the original plants.

**Final Answer**: Somaclones are genetically identical to the original plants.

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