What are the reasons for the people’s resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India?1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome.2. The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies.3. There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have adverse impact on health.4. There is some concern that the introduction of Bt brinjal may have adverse effects on biodiversity.Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
✓ Correct answer: c) 3 and 4 only
ExplanationBrinjal is a resilient crop that thrives even in drought- prone areas and is cultivated throughout most of the country.In India, Bt brinjal was the first food crop to undergo evaluation for potential commercial release.Statement 1 is incorrect: A gene called cry1Ac from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis(and not fungus) was inserted into the brinjal to develop Bt Brinjal.This brinjal has been genetically modified to withstand insects like the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis).Statement 2 is incorrect: Farmers will be free to save and sow as many seeds from Bt Brinjal open-pollinated cultivars as they like.They are not terminator seeds.Statement 3 is correct: Public resistance to Bt brinjal in India was driven by fears of allergic reactions, toxicity and long- term health effects.Statement 4 is correct: Environmentalists feared that introducing Bt brinjal could negatively impact biodiversity.The primary concern was the potential for cross-pollination with native brinjal varieties, which could lead to genetic contamination and loss of indigenous strain
Practice more Science PYQs
Attempt a free 10-question quiz or browse the full Science & Technology previous-year-question bank with instant answers and explanations.
🔬 Science PYQs →