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RAS question

Consider the following statements about Genetically Modified (GM) crops: I. The USA is the largest cultivator of GM crops by area. II. Bt cotton is a GM crop that produces its own insecticide against bollworm. III. Golden Rice is a GM variety developed to address Vitamin D deficiency. IV. Brazil has the second largest area under GM crops globally. How many of the above statements are correct?

Correct answer: (C) Only three.

The correct count is three: the USA has the largest GM crop area, Bt cotton produces a Bacillus thuringiensis toxin against bollworm, and Brazil has the second-largest GM crop area, while Golden Rice targets Vitamin A deficiency rather than Vitamin D deficiency.

  1. (A)

    Only one

  2. (B)

    Only two

  3. (C)

    Only three

  4. (D)

    All four

Explanation

The USA ranking, Bt cotton mechanism and Brazil ranking are accurate, while the Golden Rice-Vitamin D link is inaccurate. ISAAA Pocket K No. 16 places the USA at the top of global biotech crop cultivation by area and Brazil in second place, so both area rankings stand. Bt cotton produces Bacillus thuringiensis toxin against bollworm, and the EPA treats Bt cotton as a registered Bt plant-incorporated protectant crop. Golden Rice is the exception. USDA ARS describes it as a transgenic rice developed to enable beta-carotene synthesis in rice grains; beta-carotene is a precursor of Vitamin A. It was therefore linked to Vitamin A deficiency, not Vitamin D deficiency.

Why the other options are wrong

  • (A) Only one is too low because the USA area ranking, Bt cotton mechanism and Brazil area ranking are all accurate.
  • (B) Only two is too low because three facts hold: the USA has the largest GM crop area, Bt cotton produces Bacillus thuringiensis toxin against bollworm, and Brazil has the second-largest GM crop area.
  • (D) All four cannot be right because Golden Rice is associated with beta-carotene and Vitamin A deficiency, not Vitamin D deficiency.

Concept

Applied biotechnology in agriculture covers GM crop distribution, Bt traits and biofortification. RAS preparation connects geography, agriculture, environment and science-and-technology policy in one factual frame.

Source

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