Genetics

Linkage is an exception to Mendel's law of independent assortment. Genes located close together on the same chromosome tend to be inherited together, violating the independent assortment principle.
- Dominance, purity of gametes, and independent assortment are part of Mendel's original laws.

Bacteria contain plasmid DNA, which is a small circular DNA molecule independent of their chromosomal DNA. While bacteria do have RNA as part of their cellular machinery, the genetic material specifically referred to is plasmid DNA.
- RNA is not the primary genetic material but plays a role in protein synthesis.
- Option (C) is incorrect as RNA is not a genetic material in bacteria but a product.
- Option (D) is incorrect.

Walter Sutton, along with Theodor Boveri, independently proposed the chromosomal theory of inheritance. Sutton is credited with the idea that chromosomes carry hereditary units and segregate during meiosis, which explained Mendel’s laws of inheritance.
- Mendel discovered the basic laws of inheritance but did not propose the chromosomal basis.
- Reginald Punnett contributed to genetics but not this theory.
- Boveri also contributed significantly alongside Sutton.

Garlic (\textit{Allium sativum}) has 16 chromosomes in its somatic cells. This chromosome number is important for understanding its genetics and breeding.

The Cry gene is derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and is commonly used in genetically modified crops, particularly cotton. It produces a protein that is toxic to bollworms, thus preventing damage to the cotton crop.

The GST (Glutathione-S-Transferase) gene is associated with herbicide resistance in plants. This gene is involved in the detoxification of herbicides and can be introduced into plants to enhance their resistance to herbicide chemicals.