Micro-propagation is

Options

A. propagation of microbes in vitro
B. propagation of plants in vitro
C. propagation of cells in vitro
D. growing plants on smaller scale

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Micro-propagation**: Micro-propagation is a technique used in plant tissue culture. It involves the propagation of plants from small parts of the plant, known as explants.

2. **Understanding Explants**: An explant is a small piece of plant tissue that is taken from a parent plant. This tissue can be a leaf, stem, root, or any other part of the plant.

3. **Process of Micro-propagation**: The explants are placed in a nutrient-rich medium under sterile conditions. This allows the explants to grow and multiply rapidly, producing numerous identical plants.

4. **Advantages of Micro-propagation**: One of the main advantages of micro-propagation is its speed. It can generate thousands of plants in a relatively short period. Additionally, all the plants produced are genetically identical, which is beneficial for maintaining specific traits.

5. **Application of Micro-propagation**: This technique is particularly useful for propagating rare or endangered plant species, helping to increase their population.

6. **Terminology**: The genetically identical plants produced through micro-propagation are referred to as "soma clones."

7. **Identifying the Correct Option**: Given the definition and characteristics of micro-propagation, the correct answer to the question is "propagation of plants in vitro," which corresponds to option number 2.

**Final Answer**: Micro-propagation is the propagation of plants in vitro.

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