The method of DNA transfer using high-velocity microparticles is known as:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Biolistics
DNA is a hydrophilic (water-loving) molecule, so it cannot pass through cell membranes on its own. Special methods are used to put recombinant DNA into host cells. In biolistics, also called the gene gun, the DNA is shot into plant cells on tiny metal particles. Bacteria are instead made competent with calcium and a heat shock.
Hybridisation, tissue culture and vegetative propagation are ways of breeding or growing plants, not methods of DNA transfer.
NCERT Extract:
Competent Host (For Transformation with Recombinant DNA) – “… In a method known as micro-injection, recombinant DNA is directly injected into the nucleus of an animal cell. In another method, suitable for plants, cells are bombarded with high velocity micro-particles of gold or tungsten coated with DNA in a method known as biolistics or gene gun. And the last method uses ‘disarmed pathogen’ vectors, which when allowed to infect the cell, transfer the recombinant DNA into the host.”