UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2018

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?

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

2 only

Explanation

GM mustard (DMH-11) uses barnase-barstar-bar genes from soil bacteria for a male-sterility/fertility-restoration hybridisation system (and herbicide tolerance), not pest resistance. It was developed by Delhi University's Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants, not IARI and PAU.

Topics: biotechnology, genetically modified crops, gm mustard (dmh-11), science and technology