Question 11 of 12intermediate🔍 AnalyzeMCQ1 mark

Assertion: Bt cotton is a transgenic plant. Reason: Bt toxin provides resistance to plants against insects.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 14 | (Page 34)
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Explanation

Option B is correct because both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion. From the context, Bt cotton is confirmed as a transgenic plant - 'In India, Bt cotton is the only transgenic plant permitted by the Government for cultivation at commercial level since 2002.' The reason is also true as the context states that 'insecticidal protein called crystal (Cry) proteins or delta-endotoxins bind specifically to receptor protein in the insect gut destroying cells and killing the insect' and 'A number of plants offering resistance to insects using this strategy have been developed.' However, the reason explains the FUNCTION/BENEFIT of Bt toxin (providing insect resistance), not WHY Bt cotton is classified as a transgenic plant. Bt cotton is transgenic because it contains foreign genes from Bacillus thuringiensis inserted into its genome. The reason given describes what Bt toxin does, not what makes Bt cotton transgenic.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Verify Assertion - The context confirms 'Bt cotton is the only transgenic plant permitted by the Government' - Assertion is TRUE.

  2. Step 2: Verify Reason - The context states Bt 'insecticidal protein... killing the insect' and 'plants offering resistance to insects using this strategy' - Reason is TRUE.

  3. Step 3: Check if Reason explains Assertion - The Reason explains the FUNCTION of Bt toxin, not the DEFINITION of transgenic plants. Bt cotton is transgenic because it has foreign genes inserted, not because Bt toxin provides resistance.

  4. Step 4: Conclusion - Both are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion. Answer is Option B.

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