gs1medium
Genetically modified "golden rice" has been engineered to meet human nutritional requirements. Which one of the following statements best qualifies golden rice ?
- A.The grains have been fortified with genes to provide three times higher grain yield per acre than other high yielding varieties
- B.Its grains contain pro-vitamin A which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body
- C.Its modified genes cause the synthesis of all the nine essential amino acids
- D.Its modified genes cause the fortification of its grains with vitamin D.
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B. Its grains contain pro-vitamin A which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body
Golden rice is a variety of rice engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This modification aims to address vitamin A deficiency, a significant public health issue in regions where rice is a staple food. The rice is named for the yellow-gold color of the grains, which is due to the presence of beta-carotene.
Source: UPSC gs1 2010