Question

Study the following statements (I - III) and select the correct option stating true (T) and false (F).

I. Golden rice is a transgenic rice having a gene for β- carotene.

II. Golden rice is a genetically modified crop where a gene is incorporated for the biosynthesis of omega-3 fatty acid.

III. Golden rice increase dietary vitamin A.

• A. Statements (I) and (II) are true, but statement (III) is false
• B. Statements (I) and (II) are false, but statement (III) is true
• C. Statements (I) and (III) are true, but statement (II) is false
• D. All statements are true

Answer 1

The correct option is C Statements (I) and (III) are true, but statement (II) is false

Hidden hunger refers to a form of micronutrient deficiency in people who eat food that is insufficient in vitamins, micronutrients, proteins, etc. Hybrid varieties are developed with the objective to improve public health, as the major population in developing countries is suffering from the problems related to hidden hunger.

To overcome this problem, biofortified crops with improved nutritional content have been developed. Biofortification is the process of breeding nutrient rich crops with higher levels of vitamins, minerals, proteins, etc.

Golden rice (Oryza sativa) is a genetically modified, biofortified crop with enhanced nutritional value. It is rich in β - carotene (vitamin A precursor). Golden rice was created by transforming rice with beta-carotene biosynthesis gene from daffodil. So it is a transgenic plant. Hence statement I is true.

The elevated levels of β - carotene in golden rice gives it a golden color. It does not carry genes for omega-3 fatty acid synthesis. So statement II is false.

β - carotene is converted into vitamin A when metabolized in the human body. Thus golden rice increase the dietary vitamin A. It also helps in alleviation (making deficiency less severe) of vitamin A deficiency. Hence statement III is true.

Golden rice prevents night blindness (inability to see well at night or in poor light) which is caused due to the deficiency of vitamin A. Vitamin A is required for normal vision, healthy skin, and a good immune system.