Question

1. What is an ethical concern of creating a genetically modified (GM) plant?

• A. The Agrobacterium Ti vector may fail to insert the gene of interest in the proper location in the host plant.

• B. The GM plant is changed so much that it may be a new species, and integrity of the original species would be corrupted.

• C. Creation of the GM plant is achieved by knocking out an existing gene, rather than adding a novel gene of interest.

• D. The GM plant increases in biomass five times faster than its wild-type counterpart.

Answer 1

1.

The GM plant is changed so much that it may be a new species, and integrity of the original species would be corrupted.

is an ethical concern of creating genetically modified (GM ) plants.

Explanation-

Genetically Modified Plants are created by inserting DNA into the genome of plants using specific vectors. This method have wide range of applications.

Examples- Bt Brinjal, golden rice, Flavr savr tomato

But ethical issues are arising against this method. By this method the genetic constitution of plant is altered and integrity of original species is corrupted. $\rightarrow$ Ethical concern

Other options are incorrect. Failure of vector to insert the gene of interest in proper location in host plant is not an ethical concern. There is no knocking out of existing gene in this method. Increase in biomass by GM plant is an advantage and not an ethical concern.

Option B is the answer.