Final answer:
The correct answer is c, as the assertion that a desirable DNA segment is introduced into a GMO is true, but the claim that this insertion is done exclusively via biolistic gun method is false since multiple methods exist.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assertion is true, but reason is false. The reason for this is that while it's true that in genetically modified organisms (GMOs), a desirable DNA segment is introduced into a suitable host, the gene transfer is not done using a biolistic gun method only. There are multiple ways to introduce recombinant DNA into hosts, including the use of Agrobacterium tumefaciens or other viral vectors, apart from the biolistic, or gene gun, method.
Genetic engineering involves the introduction of foreign DNA to modify an organism’s DNA and achieve desirable traits, thereby creating GMOs. The foreign DNA is usually part of a recombinant DNA vector generated by molecular cloning. When the DNA comes from a different species, the GMO is also referred to as transgenic. Biolistic methods, where DNA-coated metal particles are shot into cells, are just one possible technique of many used for gene transfer. Another common method employs the natural ability of Agrobacterium tumefaciens to transfer DNA to plant cells. Therefore, although the biolistic gun method is a valid technique for creating GMOs, it is not the only method used, falsifying the reason that it is done using a biolistic gun method only.