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 ?
Show answer
Answer: B. Statement 1 is wrong: GM mustard (DMH-11) uses barnase and barstar genes from a soil bacterium, but for making hybrids, not for pest resistance. Statement 2 is correct: these genes create a male-sterile line and restore fertility, allowing cross-pollination and hybridisation. Statement 3 is wrong: it was developed by Delhi University's Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants. So only 2.
Watch for: Bt cotton's pest resistance from a soil bacterium leads students to assume the same for GM mustard.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because the genes are not for pest resistance and PAU did not develop it.
- C. Wrong because Delhi University, not IARI and PAU, developed it.
- D. Wrong because statements 1 and 3 are false.
Source to check: Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), MoEFCC, 'Assessment of Food and Environmental Safety of GM Mustard DMH-11' (2016)
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.