Question

What is biofortification?
Mention one example each of fortification with reference to –
a. Amino acid content
b. Vitamin-C content

Hint:

Biofortification targets nutrient deficiencies; examples include QPM for amino acids, golden rice for vitamin A.

Answer 1

i. Biofortification: The process of breeding or genetically modifying crops to increase their nutritional content (e.g., vitamins, minerals, amino acids) to improve human health.
ii. Examples:
a. Amino Acid Content: Quality Protein Maize (QPM) with enhanced lysine and tryptophan.
b. Vitamin-C Content: Biofortified tomatoes with increased vitamin C levels.
Answer: i. Biofortification enhances crop nutrition; ii. a. QPM, b. Biofortified tomatoes.