Question

Scientist have inserted a gene that codes for a protein that codes for immunity from a common pesticide (a chemical that kills commonly problematic invertebrates) into a population of grasshoppers. The gene was initially found in some pesticide resistant cockroaches and was then inserted into the grasshopper population. Which of the statements below best explains the impact of inserting the gene for pesticide immunity into the grasshopper population? Group of answer choices The population of grasshoppers will be able to be sprayed with the pesticide and remain unaffected. The grasshoppers will learn to feed in areas where no pesticides are being used. The grasshopper population will be more likely to survive a drought. The grasshoppers will use more energy to resist the pesticide which will cause a decline in their population.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. The population of grasshoppers will be able to be sprayed with the pesticide and remain unaffected.

Explanation:

As mentioned in the question statement, scientist inserted a gene in a grasshopper population that encodes for immunity against a pesticide. Therefore, the grasshopper population would be able to survive well despite the pesticide is being sprayed. Principally, pesticide spray can kill the invertebrates such as grasshoppers. However, when the grasshopper has a gene that encodes for a protein that gives immunity against the pesticide, the effect of spray will be minimized. They will produce the immunity protein and this protein will help them survive in toxic conditions.

Other options are incorrect because:

• There is no need of training the grasshoppers to learn how to feed in areas where no pesticides are being used. In fact, insertion of gene that encodes for immunity would not help the grasshoper to get trained against the pesticide, rather, it will help providing immunity directly in the presence of pesticide.
• The gene provides immunity and has nothing to do against drought.
• It is not mentioned anywhere that gene is responsible for energy production and resistence against pesticide. Rather it is a gene that produces an immunity related protein.