Question

(03.08 mc)
which of the following is a disadvantage of genetic engineering?
○ may cause negative side effects
○ cannot create new organisms
○ reduces the nutrition value of food
○ increases the scarcity of food

Explanation:

To determine the disadvantage of genetic engineering, we analyze each option:

• Option "May cause negative side effects": Genetic engineering involves modifying organisms' genes. These modifications can sometimes lead to unforeseen negative impacts (like allergic reactions from genetically modified crops, or ethical/health concerns in other applications), so this is a valid disadvantage.
• Option "Cannot create new organisms": Genetic engineering can be used to create novel organisms with desired traits, so this is incorrect.
• Option "Reduces the nutrition value of food": In fact, genetic engineering is often used to enhance the nutritional value of food (e.g., biofortified crops), so this is incorrect.
• Option "Increases the scarcity of food": Genetic engineering is typically used to increase food production (e.g., pest - resistant crops) and reduce scarcity, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

A. May cause negative side effects