Q65.
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:
Answer
D
Explanation
All four are legitimate prospects for genetically engineered plants. (1) Drought-resistant GM crops are actively being developed. (2) Golden Rice is an example of increasing nutritive value (Vitamin A). (3) Research exists on engineering microbes and plants that are optimized for growth in artificial conditions of space — this is an active area of research. (4) Increased shelf life is a common GM application (e.g., Flavr Savr tomato). Hence all four are correct.