What potential benefit does genetic engineering offer to crops?

Genetic engineering offers the potential benefit of enhanced nutritional content and yield in crops. By utilizing biotechnology, scientists can manipulate the genetic material of plants to produce varieties with improved characteristics. This includes increasing the levels of essential vitamins and minerals, leading to more nutritious food sources.

Moreover, through genetic modifications, crops can be designed to have higher resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses, which can significantly increase overall yield. Such enhancements are particularly important as populations rise and climate change challenges traditional farming practices.

In contrast, the other options suggest negative implications that do not align with the primary goals of genetic engineering in agriculture. Increased vulnerability to environmental changes, higher costs without benefits, and dependence on chemical pesticides reflect concerns often raised in discussions about traditional agricultural practices rather than the intended outcomes of genetic modification. Thus, the correct answer highlights the potential of genetic engineering to improve crop quality and productivity in a sustainable manner.