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:   

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c)        

Explanation:

Genetically modified crops (GM crops) are plants that have undergone genetic engineering techniques in agriculture to modify their DNA.

Advantages of genetically engineered plants include:

• Increased resistance to insects, resulting in a decrease in crop loss.
• Enhanced nutritive value of the produce.
• Tolerance to herbicides and viruses, reducing the need for harmful pesticides.
• Greater resistance to adverse environmental conditions such as cold, heat, drought, and salinity, making them drought-resistant.
• Suitable for growth in limited environmental conditions, such as those found in space stations.
• Extended shelf life of perishable produce due to delayed senescence, fruit ripening, and spoilage.
• Enhanced tolerance to diseases and stress, such as drought, heat, cold, salt, and low nutrient availability.
• Increased biomass and seed yields.