Prelims 2012 · Science and Technology · Question 64
What are the reasons for the people's resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India?<br/>1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome.<br/>2. The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies.<br/>3. There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have adverse impact on health.<br/>4. There is some concern that the introduction of Bt brinjal may have adverse effect on the biodiversity.<br/><br/>Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer
3 and 4 only
1. Incorrect. Bt brinjal contains the cry1Ac gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (a soil bacterium), not from a soil fungus.
2. Incorrect. Bt brinjal seeds are not "terminator seeds"; that claim is factually wrong. Though hybrids may require fresh purchase, the resistance was not because of terminator technology.
3. Correct. A major public concern was the possible adverse impact of Bt brinjal consumption on human health.
4. Correct. There were concerns about possible adverse effects on biodiversity, especially contamination of native brinjal varieties.
Therefore, statements 3 and 4 only are correct.