Identify the statements relevant to Genetically Modified (GM) crops: A. They have better pest resistance. B. They have increased nutritional value. C. They are more reliant on chemical fertilizers. D. They have fewer post-harvest losses. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A, B, and D only
Understanding Genetically Modified (GM) Crops
Genetically Modified (GM) crops, also known as transgenic crops, are plants whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. This modification aims to introduce new traits or enhance existing ones that are beneficial for agriculture, food production, or nutritional value.
Analyzing Statements on GM Crop Characteristics
Let's examine each statement provided in the question to determine its relevance to Genetically Modified (GM) crops:
- Statement A: They have better pest resistance.
This is a major goal of developing GM crops. For instance, Bt cotton is genetically engineered to produce toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which makes it resistant to certain insect pests like the cotton bollworm. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides.
- Statement B: They have increased nutritional value.
Some GM crops are developed specifically to enhance their nutritional content. A well-known example is Golden Rice, which is engineered to produce beta-carotene (a precursor of Vitamin A) in its grains, addressing Vitamin A deficiency issues in certain populations.
- Statement C: They are more reliant on chemical fertilizers.
GM technology primarily focuses on traits like pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, or nutritional enhancement, and sometimes improved nutrient uptake efficiency. While farming practices can influence fertilizer use, the genetic modification itself does not inherently make GM crops *more* reliant on chemical fertilizers compared to conventional crops. Some GM traits might even potentially reduce the need for certain inputs (like pesticides or herbicides), but increased fertilizer reliance is not a standard characteristic or goal of GM modification.
- Statement D: They have fewer post-harvest losses.
Genetic modification can be used to introduce traits that improve shelf life or resistance to spoilage, diseases, or damage during transport and storage. For example, some fruits or vegetables might be engineered for delayed ripening or increased firmness, leading to reduced losses after harvesting.
Identifying Relevant Statements for GM Crops
Based on the analysis:
- Statement A (Better pest resistance) is relevant.
- Statement B (Increased nutritional value) is relevant.
- Statement C (More reliant on chemical fertilizers) is generally not relevant or characteristic of GM crops.
- Statement D (Fewer post-harvest losses) is relevant.
Therefore, the statements relevant to Genetically Modified (GM) crops are A, B, and D.
Revision Table: Key Traits of GM Crops
| Statement | Relevance to GM Crops | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| A. Better pest resistance | Yes | Engineered to resist specific pests (e.g., Bt crops). |
| B. Increased nutritional value | Yes | Engineered for enhanced nutrients (e.g., Golden Rice). |
| C. More reliant on chemical fertilizers | No | GM focus is on pest/herbicide/nutrient uptake, not increased fertilizer reliance. |
| D. Fewer post-harvest losses | Yes | Engineered for improved shelf life or reduced spoilage. |
Additional Information on Genetically Modified Crops
Genetically Modified (GM) crops are a significant topic in modern agriculture and biotechnology. Here are a few more points:
- Herbicide Tolerance: Many GM crops are engineered to tolerate specific herbicides, allowing farmers to control weeds effectively without harming the crop itself.
- Drought Resistance: Research is ongoing to develop GM crops with improved tolerance to environmental stresses like drought or salinity.
- Controversies: Despite their potential benefits, GM crops are also associated with controversies regarding potential environmental impacts, effects on biodiversity, and socio-economic implications.
- Regulation: The development and use of GM crops are strictly regulated in many countries to ensure safety for human health and the environment.
Understanding the specific traits introduced through genetic modification helps clarify the characteristics and potential impacts of GM crops.
Important Questions from Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
The fruit which develops without fertilisation is called:
A mature embryo sac of an angiosperm is:
Transfer of pollen grains from an anther of one flower to the stigma of a flower of a different plant is called:
Identify the statements which are true with respect to Euchromatin:
A. Loosely packed
B. Densely packed
C. Stains light
D. Transcriptionally active
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Zooplanktons species suspended their development during unfavourable conditions. This phenomenon is known as:
