Identify the correct facts about genetically modified plants.(A) Make…

The correct answer is Option (3) → (A) and (C) only

A genetically modified (GM) plant has its genes altered by genetic engineering. This is done to give the plant some useful trait.

(A) Make crops more tolerant to cold and drought — Correct. GM crops are made tolerant to abiotic stresses such as cold, drought, salt and heat.

(B) Reduce the nutritional value of food — Incorrect. The aim is the reverse. Genetic modification can raise the nutritional value, for example golden rice, which is rich in vitamin A.

(C) Prevent early exhaustion of fertility of soil — Correct. GM plants use minerals more efficiently, so the soil is not drained of its fertility early.

(D) Increase reliance on chemical pesticides — Incorrect. Pest-resistant GM crops reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

NCERT Extract:
Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture – “… GM plants have been useful in many ways. Genetic modification has: (i) made crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, heat). (ii) reduced reliance on chemical pesticides (pest-resistant crops). (iii) helped to reduce post harvest losses. (iv) increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants (this prevents early exhaustion of fertility of soil). (v) enhanced nutritional value of food, e.g., golden rice, i.e., Vitamin ‘A’ enriched rice.”