Question

"Golden rice," a genetically modified variety of rice, has been engineered to be rich in:

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin B12
• C. Iron
• D. Protein

Hint:

Golden rice = Vitamin A = Beta-carotene. It’s a biofortified crop aimed at tackling Vitamin A deficiency.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice designed to combat Vitamin A deficiency, which is a significant health issue in many developing countries, especially where rice is a staple food. The rice has been engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, which gives it its yellow (golden) color.
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin. People who do not consume enough Vitamin A may suffer from conditions like night blindness and other visual impairments.
Now, let's analyze the other options:
- Vitamin B12 is not present in Golden rice; it's typically found in animal-based products and is essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
- Iron is a crucial mineral, but Golden rice is not engineered to be rich in it.
- Protein is important for body function, but the primary goal of Golden rice is to provide Vitamin A, not protein.
Thus, the correct answer is Vitamin A, which is the main purpose behind the genetic modification of Golden rice.