UPSC Prelims 2012·GS1·science-and-technology·ipr and biotechnology

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:

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Last updated 8 Jul 2026, 4:39 pm IST
  1. A1, 2 and 3 only
  2. B2 and 3 only
  3. C3 and 4 only
  4. D1, 2, 3 and 4Correct

Explanation

Genetically engineered plants have been created for various prospects beyond pest resistance:

  1. To enable them to withstand drought: Correct. Drought-resistant GM crops have been developed, such as drought-tolerant maize.

  2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce: Correct. Examples include Golden Rice, engineered to produce beta-carotene (Vitamin A).

  3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations: Correct. NASA and other space agencies have conducted experiments growing GM plants in space environments.

  4. To increase their shelf life: Correct. The Flavr Savr tomato was the first commercially grown GM crop, engineered for extended shelf life.

All four statements are correct.

science-and-technology: Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? 1. To
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