Question

"A scientist genetically engineered a grain cereal. The genetically engineered variety can produce its own vitamins and is drought resistant. What is the likely impact of growing such a cereal crop on society?

a) May trigger an adverse climate change
b) May worsen the water crisis around the world
c) Would be beneficial for the malnourished population - giving them needed vitamins and nutrients
d) Would increase the shortage of food around the world"

Answer 1

The genetically engineered cereal crop that is vitamin-producing and drought-resistant would likely benefit the malnourished population by providing necessary nutrients and could be grown in harsher climates, improving food security in areas facing water scarcity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The likely impact of growing a genetically engineered cereal crop that produces its own vitamins and is drought resistant would benefit the malnourished population by providing needed vitamins and nutrients (option c). This kind of genetic engineering is aimed at creating crops with enhanced nutritional profiles and greater resilience to adverse environmental conditions, such as drought, which are key concerns in global agriculture.

Developing crops with an increased capacity for nutrient delivery can directly address the issues of malnutrition and food security in impoverished areas. Moreover, the drought-resistant trait allows for cultivation in arid regions, potentially reducing the pressures on already scarce water resources and mitigating the effects of water crises.

While the introduction of genetically engineered crops into ecosystems warrants careful consideration of environmental safety and potential impacts on biodiversity, the specific traits mentioned—vitamin production and drought resistance—do not inherently imply negative environmental outcomes. On the contrary, they can augment food security and improve nutritional intake among populations, particularly in regions plagued by food scarcity and harsh farming conditions.