Question

'Golden rice' has been genetically modified to meet human nutritional requirements. Which of the following statements correctly describes golden rice?

• A. The grains have been fortified so that new colour can be given to food
• B. The grains contain vitamin A precursor which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body
• C. It's modified genes cause the synthesis of protein in the human body
• D. The golden rice grains have been fortified with vitamin D

Answer 1

The correct option is B The grains contain vitamin A precursor which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body

Biofortification is the method of breeding crops with higher levels of vitamins, minerals, proteins and healthier fats.

Golden rice is a biofortified variety of rice that has been genetically engineered to carry the genes for ꞵ - carotene synthesis (precursor of vitamin A). The beta- carotene, upon ingestion of the rice, is metabolised to form vitamin A in the human body. Hence option b is correct.

Golden rice is a good source of vitamin A and helps to prevent night blindness which is caused due to Vitamin A deficiency. Night blindness is the inability to see well at night or in poor light conditions.

The genes were modified in golden rice to meet nutritional requirement and not to improve its apperance and colour. The elevated levels of β - carotene give it the characteristic golden color. So option a is incorrect.

The modified genes in golden rice had no effect on synthesis of vitamin D or proteins in human body. So option c and d are incorrect.