Question 36 from UPSC CSE 2014 - Science and Technology

Question

Consider the following techniques/phenomena:
1. Budding and grafting in fruit plants
2. Cytoplasmic male sterility
3. Gene silencing
Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 2 and 3 only

Strategy: Differentiate between traditional and molecular techniques. Eliminate budding and grafting as they do not alter genes. Identify cytoplasmic male sterility and gene silencing as biotechnological interventions relevant to transgenics. Select the option containing only these two techniques.

Key Info: **Budding and Grafting:**
These are horticultural propagation techniques that physically merge plant parts without altering genes, so they cannot create transgenic crops.

**Cytoplasmic Male Sterility (CMS):**
This is a cytoplasmic genetic mechanism where mitochondrial genes cause male sterility. It is widely used in hybrid seed production for crops like rice, maize, and sunflower, and its management often involves biotechnology.

**Gene Silencing:**
This molecular process suppresses specific gene expression, often using RNA interference (RNAi). It is a direct tool for developing transgenic crops with traits like pest resistance.

**Transgenic Crops and Regulation:**
Transgenic crops have genomes modified by introducing foreign DNA through biotechnology. Their development and regulation are overseen by bodies such as the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in India. Traditional propagation methods are not considered genetic engineering, whereas CMS and gene silencing are critical to transgenic crop development.

Answer

Option A: 1 only

Answer

Option C: 1 and 3 only

Answer

Option D: None of the above

Consider the following techniques/phenomena: Budding and grafting in fruit plants Cytoplasmic male sterility Gene silencing Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?

Consider the following techniques/phenomena:

Budding and grafting in fruit plants

Cytoplasmic male sterility

Gene silencing
Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?