ICAR AIEEA (PG): Fundamentals of Plant Biotechnology & Plant Sciences Quiz Quiz

Explore essential topics in Plant Biotechnology and Plant Sciences with this quiz covering agricultural importance, basic plant physiology, genetics, biochemistry, crop production, plant nutrition, molecular biology, and more. Perfect for candidates preparing for ICAR AIEEA PG entrance or anyone seeking a strong foundation in these core concepts.

1. Agriculture and National Economy

   Which of the following best describes why agriculture is considered vital to a country’s national economy?

   1. It provides food, employment, and raw materials for industries.
   2. It only increases the income of government officials.
   3. Agriculture replaces the need for technology.
   4. It mainly focuses on global trade rather than local needs.

   Explanation: Agriculture is crucial for supplying food to the population, providing jobs, and supplying raw materials to various industries. Increasing only officials' income is incorrect because the impact extends to all economic sectors. Technology is still needed in agriculture, so replacement is not a correct idea. While agriculture does contribute to global trade, its main role also encompasses addressing domestic food and employment needs.

2. Soil Nutrients and Deficiency

   What are the primary macronutrients represented by NPK in fertilizers, and why are they important?

   1. Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium; essential for plant growth and development.
   2. Nickel, Phosphorus, Krypton; needed for root formation.
   3. Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Kale; important for seed germination.
   4. Neon, Potassium, Kerosene; used for photosynthesis only.

   Explanation: NPK stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, the three major nutrients vital for plant growth, including leaf development, root growth, and overall health. Nickel and Krypton are not primary nutrients, and 'Kale' is a plant, not a nutrient. Neon and kerosene do not function in plant nutrition.

3. Cell Division Basics

   Which of the following statements best distinguishes between mitosis and meiosis in plant cells?

   1. Mitosis produces identical cells, while meiosis results in cells with half the chromosome number.
   2. Mitosis creates seeds, but meiosis is only for leaves.
   3. Mitosis occurs exclusively in flowers, meiosis in roots.
   4. Mitosis and meiosis are identical processes with different names.

   Explanation: Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells, important for growth and repair, while meiosis produces cells with half the genetic content, critical for sexual reproduction. Seeds are formed through fertilization involving meiosis, but it's not limited to seeds or leaves. Both processes occur in various plant tissues, not exclusive to flowers or roots. They are distinct processes, not just different names.

4. Crop Production Example

   If a farmer is cultivating rice and wheat, which basic principle should be followed to achieve high yields?

   1. Select suitable crop varieties and manage soil nutrients.
   2. Water only at night and avoid fertilizers.
   3. Grow both crops in sandy desert soil without irrigation.
   4. Harvest before plants are mature.

   Explanation: Choosing proper crop varieties and managing soil nutrients through fertilization are foundational to increasing crop yield. Watering timing and denying fertilizers are not effective approaches. Growing in non-suitable soils and harvesting immature crops result in poor outcomes. The correct answer covers basic and essential crop production principles.

5. Macromolecules in Plants

   Which group includes molecules essential for plant structure and metabolism such as carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids?

   1. Carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids
   2. Alcohols, starch, sand
   3. Enzymes, antibiotics, hydrocarbons
   4. Salts, stones, gases

   Explanation: Carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids are macromolecules that form the structural and functional basis of plant cells. Alcohols, sand, salts, and gases are either not macromolecules or not essential for cell structure. While enzymes are important, antibiotics and hydrocarbons are not core structural components.

6. Photosynthesis Pathways

   Which pathway is mainly used by most crop plants like wheat and rice for photosynthesis?

   1. C-3 pathway
   2. C-4 pathway
   3. CAM pathway
   4. Krebs pathway

   Explanation: Most common crop plants such as wheat and rice use the C-3 pathway for photosynthesis, which involves the enzyme RuBisCO. The C-4 pathway is found in crops like maize, while CAM is common in succulents. The Krebs pathway is related to respiration, not photosynthesis.

7. Plant Hormones Overview

   Which plant hormone is primarily responsible for cell elongation and growth in stems?

   1. Auxin
   2. Insulin
   3. Melatonin
   4. Hemoglobin

   Explanation: Auxin is a plant hormone that promotes stem elongation and helps regulate other aspects of plant growth. Insulin and melatonin are animal hormones, and hemoglobin is a blood protein in animals. Only auxin fits the described role in plants.

8. Genetics and Inheritance

   What does Mendelian genetics primarily study in plants?

   1. Inheritance patterns of traits from parents to offspring
   2. Water movement through soil
   3. Formation of flowers from roots
   4. The color of light required for growth

   Explanation: Mendelian genetics examines how traits are passed from parents to offspring, often following predictable patterns. Water movement and flower formation concern physiology, not genetics. Light color is unrelated to genetics but is part of environmental factors affecting growth.

9. Plant Disease Management

   If a rice field is affected by blast disease, which management approach is suitable?

   1. Use disease-resistant varieties and proper fungicide application.
   2. Apply excessive nitrogen fertilizer only.
   3. Ignore symptoms and wait until harvest.
   4. Water the field more frequently to cure the disease.

   Explanation: Controlling diseases like blast involves using resistant varieties and timely fungicide use. Overusing nitrogen alone can worsen disease problems. Ignoring disease or mismanaging irrigation won't address the pathogen directly. Only integrated management is effective.

10. Enzyme Characteristics

    Which of the following is a correct statement about enzymes in plant cells?

    1. They speed up biochemical reactions without being consumed.
    2. They are used up during the reactions they catalyze.
    3. They only function at freezing temperatures.
    4. They are classified as nucleic acids.

    Explanation: Enzymes are biological catalysts that increase the rate of reactions and are not consumed in the process. They work optimally within certain temperature ranges and are proteins, not nucleic acids. They are inactive at freezing temperatures or can be denatured.

11. Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

    Which feature is common to all prokaryotic cells but absent in eukaryotic plant cells?

    1. Lack of a true nucleus
    2. Presence of a membrane-bound nucleus
    3. Formation of multicellular bodies
    4. Well-developed chloroplasts

    Explanation: Prokaryotic cells, like bacteria, do not have a true nucleus; their DNA is not enclosed by a membrane. Eukaryotic plant cells possess a membrane-bound nucleus and complex organelles like chloroplasts. Multicellular organization and organelles differentiate eukaryotes.

12. Genetic Engineering Tools

    What is the main purpose of restriction enzymes in genetic engineering?

    1. To cut DNA at specific sequences
    2. To fertilize plant seeds
    3. To help plants absorb minerals
    4. To increase fruit size

    Explanation: Restriction enzymes recognize and cut DNA at particular sequences, facilitating genetic engineering tasks like cloning. They do not assist directly with nutrition, fertilization, or determining fruit size. Their main function is in DNA manipulation.

13. Biological Nitrogen Fixation

    What role do certain bacteria play in biological nitrogen fixation in agriculture?

    1. They convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can absorb.
    2. They remove all water from soil.
    3. They produce only toxins for plant defense.
    4. They increase soil acidity permanently.

    Explanation: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia or related compounds plants need for growth. Dehydrating soil or increasing acidity are not their roles, and while some bacteria can produce toxins, these are not nitrogen-fixing ones.

14. Pollination and Fertilization

    Which process accurately describes pollination in flowering plants?

    1. Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma
    2. Water absorption by roots
    3. Formation of leaves from stems
    4. Gravitational movement of seeds underground

    Explanation: Pollination is the movement of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma, a crucial step for fertilization. Water absorption, leaf formation, and seed movement are unrelated to the definition of pollination. Only the first option describes the reproductive process correctly.

15. Seed Science

    Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of seed viability in a laboratory test?

    1. The ability to germinate under optimal conditions
    2. Size and color alone
    3. Smoothness of the seed coat
    4. Weight compared to other seeds

    Explanation: Seed viability is best determined by its capacity to germinate when given optimal moisture, temperature, and light. Visual traits such as size, color, or smoothness do not guarantee viability. Weight alone is not a suitable criterion, as viable seeds can vary in size and weight.

16. Organic Farming Basics

    Which practice is fundamental to organic farming?

    1. Use of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides instead of synthetic chemicals
    2. Continuous use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
    3. Irrigating only with salt water
    4. Planting without considering soil fertility

    Explanation: Organic farming relies on natural alternatives like bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides to maintain soil health and control pests. Simply using synthetic chemicals continuously opposes organic principles. Irrigation with salt water and neglecting soil health are not recommended in any farming system.