The genetically-modified (GM) brinjal in India has been developed for

Options

A. Insect-resistant
B. Enhancing shelf life
C. Enhancing mineral content
D. Drought-resistance

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Genetically Modified (GM) Crops**:
- Genetically modified crops are those whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. This manipulation allows for specific traits to be introduced, such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, or enhanced nutritional content.

2. **Identifying the Specific GM Crop**:
- The question specifically refers to GM brinjal in India, which is known as Bt brinjal. The "Bt" stands for Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium that produces a protein toxic to certain insects.

3. **Mechanism of Bt Brinjal**:
- The Bt brinjal has been engineered to express genes from Bacillus thuringiensis that code for insecticidal proteins (endotoxins). These proteins are harmless to humans and other non-target organisms but are toxic to specific pests that feed on the brinjal.

4. **Function of the Endotoxin**:
- When insects ingest the Bt brinjal, the alkaline conditions in their gut activate the endotoxin, which then binds to the gut cells of the insect, causing cell lysis and ultimately leading to the insect's death. This mechanism provides the brinjal with natural pest resistance.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the above information, the genetically modified brinjal in India has been developed primarily for **insect resistance**. Therefore, the correct answer is option **A: insect resistant**.