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Question #46591
The Question
A biotechnologist attempts to introduce a nematode-specific gene into a tobacco plant using a Baculovirus vector but fails, whereas a subsequent attempt using the biolistic (gene gun) method succeeds. Which of the following is the primary biological reason for the failure of the Baculovirus vector in this specific scenario?
Options
- A.
Baculoviruses lack the specific viral attachment proteins required to bind to plant cell receptors and cannot biologically bypass the cellulosic cell wall, whereas biolistics relies on non-specific mechanical force.
- B.
Baculoviruses induce a severe hypersensitive response in plant tissues leading to rapid necrosis of the transformed cells, whereas biolistics avoids triggering plant immune responses.
- C.
The genetic material of Baculoviruses is single-stranded RNA, which cannot integrate into the plant's nuclear genome without reverse transcriptase, unlike the dsDNA used in biolistics.
- D.
Baculoviruses require the Ti plasmid's T-DNA region for plant transformation, which is absent in their natural genome but artificially coated onto biolistic micro-particles.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Baculovirus|Biolistics/Gene Gun Physics|Competent Cell Preparation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize that 'viruses are vectors' and 'biolistics is for plants' without understanding the underlying physiological barrier.
The trap tests the distinction between biological host-range restriction (dependent on specific receptors and hindered by the cell wall) versus non-specific mechanical penetration.
Option B is a high-quality distractor because students often confuse 'failure to infect' with 'pathogenic rejection' (hypersensitive response), forgetting the NCERT line that Baculoviruses have absolutely no negative impact on plants.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Microbes in Human Welfare - Class 12 |
| Concept | Baculovirus Host Specificity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |