Question

Which of the following is not a genetically modified crop plant?
a. Golden Rice
b. Basmati Rice
c. Bt-corn
d. Flavr Savr tomato

Answer 1

Hint: Plants whose genes have been modified by manipulation to produce certain specific features in the newly grown crop are genetically modified crop plants. They are named scientifically and their names do not sound like the original variety.

Complete answer:
A certain original variety of crops show low tolerances to stress and increased reliance on chemical pesticides to produce a pest-resistant crop. To avoid these challenges, we make use of genetically modified crop plants that are produced by transferring genes from one plant to another, generally by techniques like recombinant DNA technology.

The options mentioned in the given question are,
> Golden Rice: It is a variety of rice produced by genetic engineering. It is produced to be grown and consumed in the areas which have a shortage of an important dietary Vitamin, Vitamin A.
> Basmati Rice: It is a traditional crop plant of the Indian subcontinent and is a long, slender aromatic rice variety. It is not a genetically modified variety of rice.
> Bt-corn: It is a genetically modified crop plant that is modified to produce Insecticidal proteins which are naturally present in Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) bacterium. This protects the crop from pests.
> Flavr Savr tomato: It is a genetically modified tomato. The ripening process of this tomato is slow, and prevents softening.

So, the correct option is B. Basmati Rice.

Additional information:
- Genetically modified crop plant are useful in,
- Increasing crop yields.
- Reducing post-harvest losses.
- Making crops more tolerant to stress.
- Improved nutritional value of foods.
- Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides.

Note: The genetically modified crop, Basmati rice increased the reliance of farmers on herbicides. This can lead to a new weed problem along with many other problems. Flavr Savr tomato is first produced by genetic modification for the consumption of humans.