Question

First genetically modified plant commercially released in India is

• A. Bt cotton
• B. Bt soybean
• C. Bt brinjal
• D. golden rice

Answer 1

The correct option is A Bt cotton

Crops which have been genetically modified to carry a foreign gene in their genome are known as transgenic or genetically modified crops. Bt cotton is the first genetically modified crop that was commercially released in India in the year 2002. It is a pest resistant crop that carries the cry gene from bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis. This gene codes for a crystal protein which when ingested by the pest, perforates their gut wall and kills insect pests.

Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice, the edible parts of which have been genetically engineered to produce beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A.

Bt brinjal is a genetically modified variety of brinjal which is resistant to insect pests.

Bt soybean is also a transgenic plant engineered with the cry genes from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis to develop resistance against major lepidopteran pests.