Which statement best defines genetically-modified crops?

• A. Foods whose genetic material (DNA) has been changed to make them grow bigger, faster or more resistant to pests
• B. Foods that are organically grown
• C. Foods produced by selective breeding
• D. Foods grown with synthetic fertilizers

Answer: (A)

Genetically modification in crops means changing the plant’s genetic material directly using biotechnology to bring about new or enhanced traits, such as faster growth, larger size, or better pest resistance. The statement that best defines this is foods whose genetic material has been changed to achieve those exact outcomes. That direct manipulation of DNA is what sets GM crops apart from other approaches.

In contrast, growing foods organically or using synthetic fertilizers involves different farming practices, not altering the DNA. Selective breeding also changes traits, but it does so through choosing and crossing plants over generations rather than directly modifying their genetic material with modern biotechnology.