UPSC Prelims 2018 Q63: Science & Technology – Biotechnology & Genetics
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
GM Mustard (DMH-11) - Development in India
DMH-11 (Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11) is India's indigenously developed transgenic mustard, created at the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP), University of Delhi by Prof. Deepak Pental.
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GM mustard has soil bacterium genes for pest resistance to a wide variety of pests | FALSE | DMH-11 uses Bar/Barnase/Barstar genes from soil bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens - but these are for hybridization control, NOT for pest resistance. Bt-based pest resistance (from Bacillus thuringiensis) is used in Bt cotton/brinjal, NOT in DMH-11. |
| 2 | GM mustard has genes that allow cross-pollination and hybridization | TRUE | DMH-11 uses Barnase-Barstar system: Barnase gene induces male sterility in one parent; Barstar restores fertility in the hybrid. This enables cross-pollination since mustard is naturally self-pollinating - critical for hybrid production. |
| 3 | GM mustard was developed jointly by IARI and Punjab Agricultural University | FALSE | Developed by Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP), University of Delhi under Prof. Deepak Pental - NOT by IARI or PAU. |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is wrong (Bar/Barnase/Barstar is for hybridization, not pest resistance) and Statement 3 misidentifies developers.
- (b) CORRECT. Only Statement 2 is right - GM mustard uses Barnase-Barstar system for hybridization.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 wrongly credits IARI and PAU - DMH-11 was developed at Delhi University's CGMCP.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 misrepresents the genetic modification (it's for hybridization, not pest resistance).
Key point
DMH-11 = Dhara Mustard Hybrid, from Delhi University's CGMCP under Prof. Deepak Pental. Uses Barnase/Barstar/Bar genes from B. amyloliquefaciens for hybridisation (male sterility + fertility restoration), NOT pest resistance. GEAC cleared 2022; commercial cultivation approved 2023.
Remember
India's GM mustard DMH-11 was developed at the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants at the University of Delhi under Professor Deepak Pental. It uses the Barnase-Barstar-Bar gene system from a soil bacterium (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) to induce male sterility and restore fertility - enabling cross-pollination and hybrid production. It is NOT a pest-resistance modification.
Common mistakes
- Confusing GM mustard (Barnase-Barstar hybridization) with Bt cotton/Bt brinjal (Cry proteins for pest resistance) - different genes, different purposes.
- Attributing GM mustard to IARI, PAU or ICAR - it was Delhi University's Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants.
- Missing the hybridization purpose - mustard is self-pollinating, so hybrid vigor requires forced cross-pollination via engineered male sterility.
Exam tip
GM crops in India: Bt cotton (2002, pest-resistant, Cry1Ac from B. thuringiensis - commercial). Bt brinjal (approved by GEAC 2009, moratorium since 2010). DMH-11 GM mustard (Barnase-Barstar, hybridisation, GEAC clearance 2022).
Sources
- CGMCP, University of Delhi - DMH-11 Development Documentation
- Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) - Decisions on GM Mustard