The Germplasm is required for the propagation of plants and animals. Germplasm is the : 1. genetic resources 2. seeds or tissues for breeding 3. egg and sperm repository 4. a germ cell`s determining zone Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Germplasm refers to the living genetic resources of a species, encompassing the hereditary material transmitted to offspring [4]. In agriculture and conservation, it is defined as the genetic material of plants and animals, including seeds, tissues, or DNA, preserved for breeding and research [4]. For plants, germplasm is often stored in seed banks or as vegetative tissues in gene banks to maintain biodiversity and develop resilient crop varieties [2]. In animals, germplasm includes repositories of eggs and sperm (gametes) or embryos, which are essential for ex-situ conservation and reproductive technologies [4]. While 'germ cells' are the biological units (gametes) involved in reproduction [2], the term 'germplasm' in the context of propagation and conservation specifically denotes the collective genetic resources, breeding materials, and gamete repositories. Statement 4 refers to a specific biological zone (germ plasm) in developmental biology, which is distinct from the broader resource-based definition used in propagation.

Sources

1. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germplasm
2. [4] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Biotic: Living > p. 110
3. [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/germplasm