- A Increase the overall rate of seed germination immediately upon subsequent planting under typical field growing conditions each season during normal conditions as generally observed
- B Preserve genetic diversity of plant species for thousands of years by slowing metabolism to near zero in liquid nitrogen or at -20 to -18 degrees C with low moisture content
- C Preserve mainly commercially important agricultural crop varieties, while largely excluding most wild relative species nearby in typical laboratory settings under usual circumstances
- D Store seeds in a state that is immediately ready for planting and rapid germination without requiring any further preparation steps taken according to most researchers
Correct answer: B. Preserve genetic diversity of plant species for thousands of years by slowing metabolism to near zero in liquid nitrogen or at -20 to -18 degrees C with low moisture content
Explanation: Seed banks (e.g., Svalbard Global Seed Vault): reduce seed moisture to 5-7% and store at -18 to -20 C (or cryopreservation in liquid N2). Metabolic activity essentially halted; viability maintained for decades to centuries.
Concept context
Flower structure, pollination, double fertilization, and seed/fruit development — the highest-scoring Class 12 biology chapter in NEET.
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