[Campbell Biology P.888] Based on the text, which of the following statements correctly desc... | Practice Question

Based on the text, which of the following statements correctly describe how transgene escape is addressed or understood? Select all that apply

  • A: The likelihood of transgene escape primarily depends on the ability of the crop and weed to hybridize.
  • B: The likelihood of transgene escape is also influenced by how the transgenes affect the overall fitness of the hybrids.
  • C: Engineering male sterility into transgenic plants is a strategy being pursued to prevent transgene escape.
  • D: Soybeans are considered a high risk for transgene escape because they readily hybridize with many wild relatives in the United States.

Explanation

The text states, "GMO advocates point out that the likelihood of transgene escape depends on the ability of the crop and weed to hybridize and on how the transgenes affect the overall fitness of the hybrids," supporting options A and B. It also mentions, "if male sterility could be engineered into plants, these plants would still produce seeds and fruit if pollinated by nearby nontransgenic plants," as a strategy, supporting option C. Option D is incorrect as the text specifically notes that soybean has no wild relatives in the United States, implying a low risk of transgene escape.