With reference to the recent developments in science,which one of the following statements is not correct?

1. A

   Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.

   (a) Functional chromosomes created by joining DNA segments from cells of different species is the statement that is not correct. Chromosomes are species-specific organisational structures; you cannot generally assemble a working chromosome by splicing bits from different species in the way the option claims. That is the official key (the not-correct statement).

2. B

   Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.

   (b) Artificial functional DNA can be synthesised in laboratories (gene synthesis, synthetic genomes). This statement is correct, so it is not the key.

3. C

   A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.

   (c) DNA can be replicated in vitro (PCR, cell-free systems). This statement is correct, so it is not the key.

4. D

   Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.

   (d) Plant and animal cells can be cultured and divided in petri dishes. This statement is correct, so it is not the key.

Summary. Official key is (a). The question asks for the statement that is not correct. Lab DNA synthesis, in-vitro replication and cell culture are real. Building a functional chromosome by joining DNA from different species is not an established correct claim. Honour (a).