The most likely reason for the development of resistance against pesticides in insects damaging a crop isa)random mutationsb)genetic recombinationc)directed mutationsd)acquired heritable chagesCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

The most likely reason for the development of resistance against pesticides in insect damaging a crop is random mutations, because environmental stress, i.e. pesticides does not cause direct changes in genome, instead, it simply selects rather persisting mutations which result in phenotypes that are better adapted to the new environment in certain pesticides. Thus, the random mutation in less proportion of pest population is favoured and pesticide resistance is developed which makes option C correct.

Answer

The most likely reason for the development of resistance against pesticides in insect damaging a crop is random mutations, because environmental stress, i.e. pesticides does not cause direct changes in genome, instead, it simply selects rather persisting mutations which result in phenotypes that are better adapted to the new environment in certain pesticides.

Answer

Introduction:
The development of resistance against pesticides in insects damaging a crop is a significant concern for farmers and agriculture. Understanding the reasons behind this resistance is crucial for effective pest management strategies. Among the given options (a) random mutations is the most likely reason for the development of resistance against pesticides in insects damaging a crop.

Explanation:
1. Random mutations:
Random mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that occur spontaneously and randomly. These mutations can result in changes to the proteins produced by an organism, including the target proteins affected by pesticides. In the case of insects, random mutations can lead to alterations in the target sites of pesticides, rendering them ineffective. Mutations can occur naturally during DNA replication or as a result of exposure to environmental factors such as radiation or chemicals.

2. Genetic recombination:
Genetic recombination is the process by which genetic material is exchanged between different individuals or chromosomes. While genetic recombination can contribute to genetic diversity, it is not the primary mechanism for the development of resistance against pesticides in insects. Genetic recombination is more relevant in the context of sexual reproduction and the generation of new combinations of genetic material.

3. Directed mutations:
Directed mutations refer to mutations that occur in response to specific environmental pressures. While some organisms have mechanisms to induce specific mutations when exposed to certain conditions, such as bacteria and their adaptive immune systems, this phenomenon is not well-documented in insects. Directed mutations are not considered a primary mechanism for the development of resistance against pesticides in insects.

4. Acquired heritable changes:
Acquired heritable changes are alterations in the genetic material that are acquired during an organism's lifetime and can be passed on to future generations. While this concept is relevant in some organisms, such as certain bacteria, it is not a significant factor in the development of resistance against pesticides in insects. In insects, resistance is primarily driven by genetic mutations that occur randomly and are then passed on through reproduction.

Conclusion:
Random mutations are the most likely reason for the development of resistance against pesticides in insects damaging a crop. Understanding the role of random mutations in resistance development can help in the design of effective pest management strategies to mitigate this problem and protect agricultural crops.

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