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 code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 and 4 only
3. 1, 2 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• Genetically engineered plants are the plants used in agriculture, whose DNA has been modified to induce a desired new trait.
• A New trait might help in:
  • Controlling certain pests, diseases, or environmental conditions,
  • reduction of spoilage,
  • inducing resistance to chemical treatments (e.g. resistance to an herbicide),
  • improving the nutrient profile of the crop,
  • atmospheric nitrogen fixation by cereal crops,
  • inducing tolerance to high salt soils and to flooding in crops,
  • inducing drought resistance in crops,
  • prolonging shelf life and commercial value of fruits and vegetables.

• While the idea of enabling plants to grow and perform photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations is a futuristic concept, it is not presently an application of genetically engineered plants.

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only; Difficulty Level: Easy