Statement I: Many crops are incorporated with foreign genes to make them tolerant to abiotic stresses.
Statement II: Genomes of many plants are manipulated or altered by combining them with other genes to get desired traits.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Both statements I and II are correct.
Statement I: Many crops are incorporated with foreign genes to make them tolerant to abiotic stresses. — True. Abiotic stresses are harmful non-living factors such as cold, drought, salt and heat. Genetic modification has made crops more tolerant to them.
Statement II: Genomes of many plants are manipulated or altered by combining them with other genes to get desired traits. — True. Organisms whose genes have been altered by manipulation are called genetically modified organisms (GMO). GM plants have been made for traits such as pest resistance, less post-harvest loss and better nutritional value (golden rice).
NCERT Extract:
Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture – “… Plants, bacteria, fungi and animals whose genes have been altered by manipulation are called Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). 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).”