Question

An improved variety of transgenic basmati rice?

• A. Does not require chemical fertilizers and growth hormones
• B. Gives high yield and is rich in vitamin A
• C. Is completely resistant to all insect pests and disease of paddy
• D. Gives high yield but has no characteristic aroma

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Explanation of the correct answer:

1. Transgenic basmati rice also is known as the golden rice.
2. It is a genetically modified crop.
3. It was modified to give a high yield of vitamin A.
4. This is due to the incorporation of gene of beta-carotene using the genetic engineering methods.

5. The rice grains appear golden in colour, hence, named golden rice.

Explanation of the incorrect answers:

Option A:

1. Usually, the GM crops or genetically modified crops require large amount of water and fertilisers compared to their original parent crops.
2. So, this option is not correct for any type of GM crop including transgenic basmati rice crop.

Option B:

1. Insect pest and disease resistance crops are mainly of the wheat crop.
2. In case of rice the GM crop is golden basmati rice crop.

Option D:

1. The gene of beta-carotene which was incorporated in the basmati rice was responsible for the incorporation of only vitamin A factor in plant.
2. It had no relation with the aroma.

Final answer: An improved variety of transgenic basmati rice gives high yield and is rich in vitamin A.