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:
✓ Correct answer: c) 1, 2 and 4 only
ExplanationGenetic engineering is the direct manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology techniques, allowing for the alteration of its DNA.Statement 1 is correct: GE crops have been engineered to withstand drought conditions which allows them to maintain productivity under water scarcity.For instance, genetically modified wheat with enhanced drought tolerance has been developed.Statement 2 is correct: Biofortification through genetic engineering has led to crops with enhanced nutritional profiles.Example: Golden Rice has been engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A.Statement 3 is incorrect: Genetic engineering for space- specific traits (like enhanced photosynthesis in low light or microgravity) is not a major application of genetically engineered plants presently.Research is ongoing into growing plants in space (Ex-NASA’s experiments with growing lettuce on the International Space Station) but these efforts primarily focus on optimizing growth conditions rather than genetically engineering plants.Statement 4 is correct: Genetic engineering has been use
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