Which of the following statements is not correct regarding the genetic...
Genetic modification has:
(i) Made crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, heat)
(ii) Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides (pest-resistant crops)
(iii) Helped to reduce post harvest losses
(iv) Increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants (this prevents early exhaustion of fertility of soil)
(v) Enhanced nutritional value of food e.g., golden rice, i.e., vitamin 'A' enriched rice.
In addition to these uses, GM has been used to create tailor-made plants to supply alternative resources to industries, in the form of starch, fuel, and pharmaceuticals.
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Which of the following statements is not correct regarding the genetic...
Genetic Modification of Crops
Introduction:
Genetic modification of crops involves the alteration of the genetic material of plants to achieve desirable traits. This can be done through various techniques such as gene insertion, gene deletion, and gene editing.
Statement:
The correct answer is option 'B' - Genetic modification of crops does not result in decreased efficiency of mineral usage by plants.
Explanation:
Genetic modification of crops has several benefits and can lead to various improvements in plants. However, it is important to note that not all statements regarding genetic modification are correct. Let's examine each option and understand why option 'B' is not correct.
a) It makes crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses:
Genetic modification can introduce genes into crops that enhance their tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. This can improve crop productivity and sustainability in challenging environments.
b) It results in decreased efficiency of mineral usage by plants:
This statement is incorrect. Genetic modification techniques can be used to improve the efficiency of mineral usage by plants. For example, genes can be inserted into crops to enhance their ability to take up and utilize essential minerals from the soil, resulting in improved nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency.
c) It helps to reduce post-harvest losses:
Genetic modification can help reduce post-harvest losses by enhancing traits such as disease resistance and improved shelf life. For example, crops can be genetically modified to have increased resistance to pests and diseases, reducing the risk of post-harvest losses due to these factors.
d) It enhances the nutritional value of food:
Genetic modification can be used to enhance the nutritional value of food by increasing the levels of essential nutrients or bioactive compounds. For example, crops can be genetically modified to have increased levels of vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants, resulting in improved nutritional content.
Conclusion:
Genetic modification of crops offers various benefits, including increased tolerance to abiotic stresses, reduction of post-harvest losses, and enhancement of nutritional value. However, it does not result in decreased efficiency of mineral usage by plants, as option 'B' incorrectly suggests.
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