Why would a company engineer the seeds from a crop to be sterile, as is done during terminator gene production?

A)

The company is interested in spreading the crop.

B)

The company can prevent genetically modified crops from spreading to other countries.

C)

The company wants to protect its own financial interests.

D)

The company wants to control the world food supply from bad seed production.

The answer is letter C, The company wants to protect its own financial interests.

Explanation:

The situation above is an example of "Genetic Use Restriction Technology" or "GURT." This is an experimental method which puts a restriction on companies or countries that uses a genetic material with no authority. When a company engineer seeds from a crop to be sterile, this method is known as "terminator technology" or "Variety-GURT."

In this process, the plant will grow once a chemical is induced into it. It will also form seeds. However, the seeds will not be capable to "germinate" because of a specific toxin being released in its embryo. The seeds will then become "sterile" and not capable of reproducing anymore.

The reason for this kind of engineering is due to the fact that the companies want to protect their patency rights and financial interests. This will disable farmers to save any seed, thus it is only the company who can produce such plant. This can also prevent them from getting involved in issues regarding "GM Seed Dispersal," since it is a controversial issue around the world.