OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What is the first step in creating a clone from a plant?

  1. Taking a flower from the parent plant

  2. Taking a cutting from the parent plant

  3. Planting seeds from the parent plant

  4. Breaking down the parent plant

The correct answer is: Taking a cutting from the parent plant

The first step in creating a clone from a plant involves taking a cutting from the parent plant. This process is known as vegetative propagation, where a section of the plant, usually a stem or leaf, is cut and encouraged to grow roots and develop into a new plant that is genetically identical to the original. This method is widely used in horticulture because it allows for the reproduction of plants with desirable traits without the variability that comes from sexual reproduction, like planting seeds. Taking a cutting is effective because it preserves the genetic material of the parent plant. Once the cutting is prepared, it can be placed in growth medium or water to stimulate root formation. In contrast, options like taking a flower or planting seeds involve different reproductive processes that do not ensure an identical clone. Breaking down the parent plant doesn't contribute to the cloning process and is not a standard horticultural practice.