Question

genetically modified corn plants are varieties of transgenic plants. they are developed by inserting a foreign gene inside the corn plants. this foreign gene produces a specific protein that acts as a toxicant for insects and pests. it harms or kills the insects or pests attacking the corn plant. the development of such transgenic corn plants also reduces the dependency on harmful insecticides and pesticides. based on the information, what could be the likely constraint of the transgenic corn plants?

○ they may cause disruptions in the food chain.

○ they may increase the growth of weeds growing near them.

○ they may release harmful and unwanted substances into the environment.

○ they may over - absorb the nutrients from the soil and may lead to nutritional deficiency in the soil.

Explanation:

The transgenic corn plants produce a protein that is toxic to insects/pests. In a food chain, insects/pests are part of the ecosystem (e.g., they may be food for other organisms like birds). If the transgenic corn harms/kills these insects/pests, it can disrupt the food chain by affecting organisms that rely on those insects/pests. The other options: increasing weed growth is not related to the toxic protein for insects; the plants are developed to reduce harmful pesticides, so releasing harmful substances is unlikely; and over - absorbing soil nutrients is not related to the insect - toxic protein mechanism described.

Answer:

A. They may cause disruptions in the food chain.