Question

when food is genetically modified, its genes are changed by scientists to produce new traits that farmers and consumers want from their food. for example, with genetic modification, a plant that is eaten by a certain type of insect could be changed in such a way that it tastes bad or is even dangerous to that insect. with genetic engineering, food items can become more resistant to disease and pests, last longer on store shelves, or have higher nutritional value per serving. what is genetic modification? the act of adding chemicals to alter organisms genes the act of changing genes to create new organisms the act of injecting crops with vitamins and minerals

Explanation:

The text explains that genetic modification involves changing an organism's genes (as seen with the plant - insect example) to get desired traits. The first option about adding chemicals is incorrect as the text implies a biological gene - changing process. The third option about injecting vitamins/minerals is wrong as it's about gene change, not nutrient injection. The second option aligns with the text's description of changing genes to create new traits (like the plant becoming unpalatable or dangerous to the insect, which is a new trait for the plant - organism).

Answer:

the act of changing genes to create new organisms