Which one of the following statements is not correct with regard to genetically modified organisms ?

Statement 2 is incorrect because genetic engineering and the creation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have applications across plants, animals, and microorganisms [2]. While GM crops like Bt cotton are widely known, the technology is also used to produce transgenic animals, such as mice for medical research or animals with faster growth rates. Statement 1 correctly defines the process where a gene is isolated and transferred between organisms [1]. Statement 3 is a recognized environmental concern, as transgenes for insect or herbicide resistance can potentially spread to wild relatives through hybridization [2]. Statement 4 is also accurate; to create a transgenic animal, novel genes are typically inserted at a very early stage, such as into a fertilized egg (pronuclear microinjection) or embryonic stem cells, to ensure the modification is present in all cells of the resulting organism.

Sources

1. [1] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS > p. 301
2. [2] https://www.britannica.com/science/genetically-modified-organism