True or False: Specific genes on the chromosomes of certain plant cells can make the plant resistant to a pest.

The statement is true because specific genes in plant chromosomes can indeed confer resistance to pests. This resistance is often the result of the plant's ability to produce certain proteins or compounds that deter pests or enhance its defense mechanisms. For example, some plants produce secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids or terpenoids, that are toxic or unpalatable to pests. Additionally, genes can also trigger the production of physical barriers, such as tougher cell walls or thorns, which can help protect the plant from herbivory.

In nature, many plants have evolved these resistance traits through natural selection, where individuals with advantageous genes are more likely to survive and reproduce in the presence of pests. In agricultural practices, breeders exploit these natural traits to develop resistant plant varieties, which can lead to reduced pesticide use and improved crop yields.

The other options imply limitations or conditions that do not apply universally. For instance, while some resistance genes may be studied or characterized in laboratory settings, the natural occurrence of resistance traits is not restricted to such environments. Additionally, although genetically modified plants often incorporate specific genes to enhance pest resistance, conventional breeding methods also harness these natural resistance mechanisms, which further undermines the notion that resistance is exclusively found in genetically modified plants.