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Mon 863 is a variety of maize. It was in the news for the following reason

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Mon 863 is a variety of maize. It was in the news for the following reason

(a)

It is a genetically modified dwarf variety which is resistant to drought

(b)

It is a genetically modified variety which is pest resistant

(c)

It is a genetically modified variety with ten times higher protein content than regular maize crop

(d)

It is a genetically modified variety exclusively used for bio-fuel production.

Answer:

(b)

CA

Explanation

Mon 863 is a genetically modified variety of maize that was developed by the biotech company Monsanto. It was in the news primarily for its controversial approval for commercial cultivation in various countries. The variety was engineered to be pest-resistant, specifically against the European corn borer, which is a major pest of maize crops. Mon 863 contains a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which produces a protein toxic to the corn borer. This Bt protein is only harmful to specific insect pests and has been shown to be safe for human consumption.