Reading Explorer 4 / 3B: THE BATTLE FOR BIOTECH

What is genetic engineering (GE) primarily focused on?

• Reducing the shelf life of crops

• Producing more food waste

• Improving the quality and nutritional value of food

• Increasing the cost of food production

What is the main concern of critics regarding biotech foods?

• Being rushed to market before full understanding of effects

• Being completely safe for human consumption

• Being too expensive for consumers

• Having too many nutritional benefits

How do genetic engineers differ from conventional breeders in terms of gene transfer?

• Transfer fewer genes between distantly related species

• Do not transfer any genes at all

• Transfer genes only within the same species

• Transfer more genes between genetically similar species

What is an example of genetic alteration mentioned in the text?

• Inserting human genes into apple trees for disease resistance

• Inserting bird genes into soybeans for increased yield

• Inserting fish genes into corn for color enhancement

• Inserting rat genes into lettuce plants to produce vitamin C

According to the National Academy of Sciences, are GE foods considered to be higher risk than non-GE foods?

• No, they are not considered higher risk

• Yes, they are considered much riskier

• GE foods have not been studied enough to determine risk

• There is no clear consensus on this issue

What is the potential benefit of GE crops in terms of fumonisins?

• Higher levels of fumonisins compared to conventional crops

• No impact on fumonisins in crops

• Complete elimination of fumonisins in crops

• Lower levels of fumonisins compared to conventional crops

What is the main concern of plant ecologist Allison Snow regarding GE crops?

• Having no impact on the environment

• Being too slow to reach the market

• Being developed too quickly and released without adequate testing

• Being completely safe for all ecosystems

What is the potential benefit of 'Golden rice' according to some experts?

• A cause of allergic reactions

• A potential solution to vitamin A deficiency

• A source of vitamin B deficiency

• A cure for all nutritional deficiencies

What do advocates of GE crops argue in terms of pesticides?

• Offering an environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides

• Completely eliminating the need for pesticides

• Increasing the use of harmful pesticides

• Having no impact on pesticide use

What is the potential outcome if science proceeds with caution in genetic modification?

• Experiencing only the dangers without any benefits

• Avoiding the dangers while enjoying the benefits

• Creating more problems than solutions

• Having no impact on the environment