13. Which one of the following is a second generation genetically engineered crop?
(A) Bt brinjal
(B) Roundup soybean
(C) Golden rice
(D) Bt rice
Golden Rice is a second-generation genetically engineered crop.
Option Analysis
Bt Brinjal (A): This is a first-generation GM crop engineered with the Bt toxin gene from Bacillus thuringiensis for insect resistance, primarily against fruit and shoot borers. Developed by Mahyco, it focuses on pest protection but lacks nutritional enhancement.
Roundup Soybean (B): A first-generation herbicide-tolerant crop modified with the CP4 EPSPS gene from Agrobacterium to withstand glyphosate herbicide. It enables weed control without crop damage but offers no nutritional improvements.
Golden Rice (C): This qualifies as a second-generation GM crop, engineered with phytoene synthase (psy) and lycopene beta-cyclase (crtI) genes from daffodil and bacteria to produce beta-carotene, addressing vitamin A deficiency. Unlike first-generation traits like pest or herbicide resistance, it provides enhanced nutritional value.
Bt Rice (D): A first-generation crop with Bt genes for insect resistance, similar to Bt brinjal or Bt cotton. It targets pests like stem borers but does not include stacked nutritional traits.
Introduction to Genetically Engineered Crops
Genetically engineered crops, or GM crops, transform agriculture by inserting specific genes for desired traits. First-generation crops emphasize pest resistance or herbicide tolerance, while second-generation ones add nutritional enhancements. This article examines options like Bt brinjal, Roundup soybean, Golden rice, and Bt rice to identify the second generation genetically engineered crop.
First vs. Second Generation GM Crops
First-generation GM crops incorporate single traits such as Bt toxin for insect resistance (e.g., Bt brinjal) or herbicide tolerance (e.g., Roundup soybean). These reduce pesticide use and boost yields. Second-generation crops stack traits, often improving nutrition, like beta-carotene production in Golden rice for vitamin A fortification.
Detailed Breakdown of Options
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Bt Brinjal: First-generation; cry1Ac gene targets lepidopteran pests, cutting insecticide sprays by up to 76% in trials.
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Roundup Soybean: First-generation; tolerates glyphosate, aiding weed management in soy farming.
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Golden Rice: Second-generation; psy and crtI genes enable provitamin A synthesis, combating malnutrition in rice-dependent regions.
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Bt Rice: First-generation; provides insect protection akin to other Bt varieties.
| Crop Option | Generation | Key Trait | Benefit Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bt Brinjal (A) | First | Insect resistance (Bt) | Reduced pesticide use |
| Roundup Soybean (B) | First | Herbicide tolerance | Easier weed control |
| Golden Rice (C) | Second | Nutritional enhancement | Vitamin A production |
| Bt Rice (D) | First | Insect resistance (Bt) | Pest damage reduction |
Why Golden Rice Stands Out
Golden rice exemplifies second-generation innovation by combining basic agronomic traits with humanitarian nutrition goals. Approved in several countries, it produces up to 23-fold more beta-carotene than non-GM rice, supporting global health initiatives.
