Genetic engineered male sterile crop plants may be produced by inserting

Options

A. Bt toxin gene
B. Barnase gene
C. Lectin gene
D. Chitinase gene

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Male Sterility in Plants:**
Male sterility in crop plants is a condition where the plants are unable to produce viable pollen. This is often desirable in hybrid seed production as it prevents self-pollination and encourages cross-pollination.

2. **Identifying the Role of Genes in Male Sterility:**
Various genes can be manipulated to induce male sterility. One such gene is the barnase gene, which is a type of ribonuclease.

3. **Function of the Barnase Gene:**
The barnase gene, when expressed in the anther (the part of the flower that produces pollen), leads to the destruction of the tapetal cell layer. This layer is crucial as it surrounds the pollen sac and provides necessary nourishment for pollen development.

4. **Consequences of Barnase Gene Expression:**
By destroying the tapetal cells, the barnase gene effectively prevents the formation of pollen. Without pollen, the plant cannot reproduce sexually, resulting in male sterility.

5. **Conclusion:**
Therefore, to produce genetically engineered male sterile crop plants, the barnase gene is inserted into the plant's genome.

**Final Answer:**
Genetic engineered male sterile crop plants may be produced by inserting the barnase gene.

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