Q1. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing differs from conventional GMO technology primarily because:
A It requires bacterial vectors to transfer foreign DNA into plant cells
B It can make precise edits to an organism's own genome without inserting foreign DNA Correct
C It permanently alters the plant's chloroplast DNA rather than nuclear DNA
D It introduces genes from unrelated species to confer pest resistance
Explanation
CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool that precisely modifies an organism's own existing genome (knockouts, insertions of small sequences) without necessarily introducing foreign species DNA. This distinguishes it from traditional GMOs where genes from another organism are inserted. In India, CRISPR-edited crops that do not contain foreign DNA are being considered for a lighter regulatory pathway under GEAC, unlike transgenics which require full GMO approval.