Loading...
UPSC 1999: Indian farmers are unhappy over the introduction of “Terminator Seed Technology” because the seeds produced by this technology are expected to
(a)show poor germination
(b)form low yielding plants despite the high quality
(c)give rise to sexually sterile plants
(d)give rise to plants incapable of forming viable seeds
Attempt This Question
Not attemptedCorrect Answer: (d) give rise to plants incapable of forming viable seeds
‘Terminator’ or Genetic Use-Restriction Technology (GURT) engineers a genetic switch that makes the second-generation seeds sterile, so plants grown from such seed cannot produce viable seed for re-sowing ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_use_restriction_technology?utm_source=openai)). Farmers object because they would have to purchase new seed every season. Hence option (d) – plants incapable of forming viable seeds – is correct; options (a)-(c) describe other, incorrect effects.
Related UPSC Questions
More from Biotechnology & Genetics
1999moderate
Assertion (A): Insect-resistant transgenic cotton has been produced by inserting Bt gene. Reason (R): The Bt gene is derived from a bacterium.
1998moderate
Which one of the following types of micro-organisms is most widely used in industries?
2000moderate
Assertion (A): In human beings, the females play a major role in determining the sex of the offspring. Reason (R): Women have two ‘X’ chromosomes.
Related Science & Technology Topics
1999Computer & Information Technology
Assertion (A): Information technology is fast becoming a very important field of activity in India. Reason (R): Software is one of the major exports o
1999Physics
Consider the following statement: An ordinary light bulb has a rather short life because the I. filament wire is not uniform. II. bulb cannot be evacu
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct answer to this UPSC 1999 Science & Technology question?▼
The correct answer is option (d): give rise to plants incapable of forming viable seeds. Watch the detailed video explanation in our Sherlocking Prelims course on UnlockIAS.
Which year was this Biotechnology & Genetics question asked in UPSC Prelims?▼
This question was asked in UPSC CSE Prelims 1999, GS Paper 1, as Question 111. It falls under Science & Technology > Biotechnology & Genetics.
What is the difficulty level of this UPSC question?▼
This question is rated "moderate". It requires sound conceptual understanding of the topic.
How many UPSC Prelims questions have been asked from Biotechnology & Genetics?▼
UPSC has asked 54 questions from Biotechnology & Genetics (under Science & Technology) across multiple years. Visit the topic page to see the full list and year-wise trends.