Select the statement that are correct for GM plants with genetic modifications.

A. Made crops tolerant to abiotic stresses.

B. Increased reliance on chemical pesticides.

C. Helped to reduce post-harvest losses.

D. Decrease the efficiency of mineral usage by plants.

E. Enhanced nutritional value of food.

A, C & E only.

The correct answer is Option (3)- A, C & E only.

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).

(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.

 In addition to these uses, GM has been used to create tailor-made plants to supply alternative resources to industries, in the form of starches, fuels and pharmaceuticals.