Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

🌱 Q3. Bollgard I & Bollgard II Technologies

📌 Question
Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of:

(a) clonal propagation of crop plants
(b) developing genetically modified crop plants
(c) production of plant growth substances
(d) production of biofertilizers

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✅ Correct Answer: (b) Developing genetically modified crop plants

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🧑‍🏫 Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

From first principles to final option — the UPSC way.

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🔬 Concept First

Bollgard refers to Bt cotton technologies where genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis are introduced into cotton plants to provide in-built insect resistance.

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🔍 Option-wise Elimination

• Option (a): Clonal propagation ❌
  • Refers to vegetative reproduction
  • No genetic modification involved
• Option (b): Genetically modified crop plants ✅
  • Bt cotton contains foreign genes (Cry genes)
  • Classic example of genetic engineering
• Option (c): Plant growth substances ❌
  • Hormones like auxins, gibberellins
  • Unrelated to pest resistance
• Option (d): Biofertilizers ❌
  • Involve microbes that improve soil fertility
  • Bollgard targets insect pests, not nutrients

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🧬 Bollgard I vs Bollgard II (Exam Core)

• Bollgard I
  • Single gene: Cry1Ac
  • Targets American bollworm
• Bollgard II
  • Double gene: Cry1Ac + Cry2Ab
  • Broader pest resistance
  • Delays development of insect resistance

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🔍 Curiosity Raiser

Did you know?
Bt cotton kills insects not by poisoning them, but by destroying their gut lining, a mechanism harmless to humans and most other organisms.

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🧠 Enrichment Notes (UPSC Lens)

• Regulatory Body in India:
  • Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
• Why Bt cotton matters:
  • India’s first commercial GM crop (2002)
  • Reduced pesticide usage
  • Increased yields (with regional variation)
• Common UPSC Trap:
  • Confusing Bt cotton with hybrid cotton (not the same)
• Exam Value:
  • Foundational GM crop question with high repeat potential

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🪶 IAS Monk Closing Whisper

When genes are edited, agriculture stops depending on sprays and starts depending on science.