UPSC Prelims 2012 Q64: Science & Technology – Biotechnology & Genetics
What are the reasons for the people's resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India?
1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome.
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.
3. There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have adverse impact on health.
4. There is some concern that the introduction of Bt brinjal may have adverse effect on biodiversity.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 3 and 4 only
Explanation
Resistance to Bt brinjal
Bt brinjal carries a gene from the soil bacterium *Bacillus thuringiensis*.
The gene makes a protein that kills the fruit and shoot borer.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome | Incorrect | The gene comes from a soil bacterium, not a fungus |
| 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 | Incorrect | They are not terminator seeds; terminator technology is not allowed in India |
| 3. There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have adverse impact on health | Correct | Health safety was a main objection |
| 4. There is some concern that the introduction of Bt brinjal may have adverse effect on biodiversity | Correct | India is a centre of origin of brinjal; native varieties could be affected |
Timeline:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2009 | The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee cleared it |
| February 2010 | The Environment Ministry placed a moratorium on its release |
| Developer | Mahyco, with Indian farm universities |
Answer: (c) 3 and 4 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are false: the gene is from a bacterium and the seeds are not terminator seeds.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; Bt brinjal seeds are not terminator seeds.
- (c) CORRECT. The fears were about health and about biodiversity.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are factually wrong, so they cannot be reasons.
Key point
Bt brinjal: gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis; cleared in 2009, moratorium in February 2010; objections on health and biodiversity. Bt cotton (2002) is India's only approved GM crop.
Remember
Bt = bacterium; Bt brinjal is under moratorium since 2010.
Common mistakes
- Reading 'soil fungus' quickly and missing that Bt is a bacterium.
- Believing Bt seeds are terminator seeds; farmers rebuy hybrids for vigour, not because seeds are sterile.
- Marking a statement as a 'reason' when the statement itself is false.
Exam tip
A false statement can never be a valid reason. First test each statement on facts, then on relevance.
Sources
- Ministry of Environment and Forests — Decision on Commercialisation of Bt Brinjal (9 February 2010)
- NCERT Class XII — Biology, Ch 12 (Biotechnology and its Applications)