Crops are protected from disease-causing fungi by use of fungicides or by the use of genetically engineered fungi-resistant crops. Compare and contrast the two methods used to protect crops from fungi. Which statement BEST describes how the two techniques differ in reducing fungal infestations of crop plants?

Question

Responses

A Fungicides kill plants infected with fungi, while genetic engineering modifies fungal DNA.Fungicides kill plants infected with fungi, while genetic engineering modifies fungal DNA.

B Fungicides kill the source of food for fungi, while genetic engineering helps to make fungi-infected plants edible.Fungicides kill the source of food for fungi, while genetic engineering helps to make fungi-infected plants edible.

C Fungicides interfere with fungal growth and reproduction, while genetic engineering produces plants resistant to fungi.Fungicides interfere with fungal growth and reproduction, while genetic engineering produces plants resistant to fungi.

D Fungicides change fungal DNA, while genetic engineering helps the crops and the fungi to form a symbiotic relationship.

Answer 1

The statement that BEST describes how the two techniques (fungicides and genetically engineered fungi-resistant crops) differ in reducing fungal infestations of crop plants is:

C: Fungicides interfere with fungal growth and reproduction, while genetic engineering produces plants resistant to fungi.

This option accurately highlights the fundamental difference in the approaches: fungicides directly target and inhibit fungal growth, while genetic engineering involves modifying the plants themselves to enhance their resistance to fungal infections.