Question
Describe any three potential applications of genetically modified plants.
Solution
Three potential applications of genetically modified (GM) plants are as follows:
(i) Nutrient Enrichment and improved food- quality– Plants are genetically modified to contain more nutrients. For example- Golden rice is a variety of rice that is genetically engineered to produce beta-carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A. Thus, consumption of this crop helps in the prevention of vitamin A deficiency diseases.
(ii) Insect/Pest Resistance – Plants are engineered to possess resistance against the insect or pest. GM crops, such as Bt cotton which were genetically modified to produce certain protein which acts as insecticides and kills certain insects such as lepidopterans and dipterans. Thus Bt cotton plants are resistant to insects.
(iii) Disease-free plants – Plants are genetically modified to become resistant against disease of bacteria, virus or fungus. For example Pusa swarnim a variety of brassica is resistant to disease caused by white rust.
(i) Nutrient Enrichment and improved food- quality– Plants are genetically modified to contain more nutrients. For example- Golden rice is a variety of rice that is genetically engineered to produce beta-carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A. Thus, consumption of this crop helps in the prevention of vitamin A deficiency diseases.
(ii) Insect/Pest Resistance – Plants are engineered to possess resistance against the insect or pest. GM crops, such as Bt cotton which were genetically modified to produce certain protein which acts as insecticides and kills certain insects such as lepidopterans and dipterans. Thus Bt cotton plants are resistant to insects.
(iii) Disease-free plants – Plants are genetically modified to become resistant against disease of bacteria, virus or fungus. For example Pusa swarnim a variety of brassica is resistant to disease caused by white rust.
