Microtheme: GM Crops —
7 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

1. [2021] “Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of:
   • (a) Clonal propagation of crop plants
   • (b) Developing genetically modified crop plants
   • (c) Production of plant growth substances
   • (d) Production of biofertilizers
   Correct Answer: (B) Developing genetically modified crop plants
2. [2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements :
   1.GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
   2.GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
   3.GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
   • (a) 1 and 3 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) 2 and 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (B) 2 only
3. [2012] What are the reasons for the people’s resistance to the introduction of BT brinjal in India? 1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome. 2. The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies. 3. There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have adverse impact on health. 4. There is some concern that the introduction of BT brinjal may have adverse effect on the biodiversity. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   • (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) 3 and 4 only
   • (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
   Correct Answer: (C) 3 and 4 only
4. [2012] 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.
   • (a) 1 and 2 only
   • (b) 3 and 4 only
   • (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
   • (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
   Correct Answer: (C) 1, 2 and 4 only
5. [2011] A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt-Brinjal, has been developed. The objective of this is
   • (a) To make it pest-resistant
   • (b) To improve its taste and nutritive qualities
   • (c) To make it drought resistant
   • (d) To make its shelf-life longer
   Correct Answer: (A) To make it pest-resistant
6. [2010] Genetically modified “golden rice” has been engineered to meet human nutritional requirements. Which one of the following statements best qualifies golden rice?
   • (a) The grains have been fortified with genes to provide three times higher grain yield per acre than other high yielding varieties
   • (b) Its grains contain pro-vitamin A which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body
   • (c) Its modified genes cause the synthesis of all the nine essential amino acids
   • (d) Its modified genes cause the fortification of its grains with vitamin D
   Correct Answer: (B) Its grains contain pro-vitamin A which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body
7. [2010] 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.
   Correct Answer: (B) It is a genetically modified variety which is pest resistant