GS PrelimsScience and TechnologyBiotechnology2018

With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements: 1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests. 2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization. 3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A

1 and 3 only

B

2 only

C

2 and 3 only

D

1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. The GM mustard variety developed in India (Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 or DMH-11) incorporates genes (barnase and barstar) from a different soil bacterium (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) for hybridization, not primarily for pest-resistance like the Bt gene (from Bacillus thuringiensis) used in GM cotton. It does not provide resistance to a wide variety of pests. 2. Statement 2 is correct. The primary purpose of the genetic modification in DMH-11 is to facilitate hybridization in mustard, which is generally a self-pollinating plant. The introduced genes create a male sterility and fertility restoration system, allowing for controlled cross-pollination to produce high-yielding hybrid seeds. 3. Statement 3 is incorrect. GM mustard (DMH-11) was developed by the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) at the University of Delhi, not jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

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