2011 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2011 · GS Paper I
Question 29: Science and Technology
A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt-brinjal, has been developed. The objective of this is
aTo make it pest-resistant
bTo improve its taste and nutritive qualities
cTo make it drought-resistant
dTo make its shelf-life longer
AnswerThe answer is (a).
Bt brinjal carries a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which makes a protein toxic to the fruit and shoot borer, the brinjal's most damaging pest. The aim is to cut pesticide sprays and crop losses. It was not made for taste, drought tolerance or shelf life. In 2010 the environment minister put a moratorium on its commercial release in India. Remember: Bt means built-in pest resistance.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: Bt brinjal is meant to resist the fruit and shoot borer.
- (b) Taste and nutrition were not the objective.
- (c) Drought tolerance was not the objective; Bt genes target insects.
- (d) Longer shelf life belongs to other modifications, not Bt.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2011, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.