UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 65 of 98

UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Genetically Engineered Plants Prospects

Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created?

1. To enable them to withstand drought.

2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce.

3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations.

4. To increase their shelf life.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 and 4 only
  3. 1, 2 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer

Answer: C. 1, 2 and 4 only

Verdict

Correct Answer: 1, 2 and 4 only

Analysis

Genetically engineered plants are created not only for pest resistance but also for drought tolerance, improved nutrition and longer shelf life.

Growing and photosynthesising in spaceships is not a standard or common application of genetically engineered crops.

Statement by statement

1. To enable them to withstand drought — Correct

Genetic engineering can be used to develop crops tolerant to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity and heat.

Such crops help maintain productivity under water-stress conditions.

2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce — Correct

Genetic engineering can improve the nutritional quality of crops.

Golden Rice, enriched with beta-carotene, is a well-known example of biofortification.

3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships — Incorrect

This is not a standard purpose for which genetically engineered plants are created.

Plants may be grown in space research using controlled systems like LEDs and hydroponics, but this is not a common GE crop application.

4. To increase their shelf life — Correct

Genetic engineering can be used to delay ripening or softening of fruits.

Flavr Savr tomato is a classic example developed for longer shelf life.

Extra UPSC info

* Bt crops are genetically engineered for pest resistance.

* Abiotic stress means non-living stress such as drought, salinity, heat or cold.

* Biotic stress means stress caused by living organisms such as insects, fungi, bacteria or viruses.

* Biofortification means improving the nutritional content of crops.

* Golden Rice is associated with Vitamin A enrichment.

* Bt cotton is the only GM crop widely cultivated in India.

* GEAC is India’s apex body for appraisal of genetically modified organisms and products.

How to crack it

Genetically engineered plants can be developed for drought tolerance, better nutrition and longer shelf life, but spaceship photosynthesis is not a standard GE crop objective.

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