What characterizes a genetically engineered plant?

A genetically engineered plant is defined by having been altered through modern biotechnology methods, which include techniques such as genetic modification or gene editing. These methods involve directly manipulating the plant’s DNA to introduce new traits or enhance existing ones in a way that is distinct from traditional breeding. This can involve inserting, deleting, or modifying specific genes to achieve desired characteristics, such as improved nutritional content, drought tolerance, or pest resistance.

The significance of option B lies in the specific reference to modern biotechnology methods, which set genetically engineered plants apart from those developed through traditional breeding practices, which rely on the natural reproductive process to combine traits from parent plants. While traditional breeding may ultimately result in similar traits, it does not involve the precise genetic interventions that characterize genetically engineered plants.

In the context of the other choices, traditional breeding methods do not fit the criteria of genetic engineering, and hybrid seeds may lead to new plant varieties without the direct gene manipulation that defines genetically engineered plants. Additionally, while enhanced resistance to pests can be a trait of genetically engineered plants, not all plants with such enhancements qualify as genetically engineered, since some may achieve pest resistance through traditional breeding. Thus, the defining characteristic of genetic engineering is the use of modern biotechnology methods.