Plants in comparison to animals are more rapidly manipulated by genetic engineering.Select out the most probable reason for this

Options

A. totipotency shown by plant cells
B. single somatic cells can regenrate a whole plant body
C. genetic engineering is supplemented with plant tissue culture techniques
D. All of the above

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Genetic Engineering**: Genetic engineering is a technique that allows for the alteration of the genome of an organism. This can involve adding or removing specific genes to modify the organism's traits.

2. **Totipotency in Plant Cells**: One of the key reasons why plants can be manipulated more easily through genetic engineering is due to the concept of totipotency. Plant cells have the unique ability to divide and differentiate into any type of cell, which allows them to regenerate into a whole organism from a single cell or tissue.

3. **Somatic Cells in Plants**: In plants, somatic cells (non-reproductive cells) can also give rise to an entire plant. This means that genetic modifications can be made in somatic cells, and these modified cells can develop into a complete plant.

4. **Higher Viability in Culture**: Plant cells generally have a higher survival rate when cultured in vitro (in a controlled environment outside the organism). This viability is crucial for successful genetic engineering, as it allows for the maintenance and growth of genetically modified cells.

5. **Integration with Tissue Culture Techniques**: The techniques used in plant tissue culture support genetic engineering by providing an optimal environment for the growth and development of modified plant cells. This enhances the efficiency of the genetic manipulation process.

6. **Conclusion**: The combination of totipotency, the ability of somatic cells to form entire plants, and the higher viability of plant cells in culture makes plants more amenable to genetic engineering compared to animals.

**Final Answer**: The most probable reason that plants are more rapidly manipulated by genetic engineering compared to animals is due to the totipotency of plant cells, which allows any cell to develop into a whole organism, combined with the higher viability of plant cells in culture.

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