As a result of the accumulation of provitamin A (beta-carotene) and xanthophylls in the endosperm of golden rice, it is yellow in color. The result of both carotenoid biosynthesis transgenes made use in golden rice, CRTI (bacterial carotene desaturase) and PSY (phytoene synthase) is lycopene, which imparts a red color.
Golden rice is vitamin A enriched rice. It is used to prevent malnutrition in developing countries, where there is a shortage of dietary vitamin A.