Question:

Golden rice is a variety of rice produced through genetic engineering to bio-synthesize which of the following nutrients?

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Golden Rice = Beta Carotene (Provitamin A).
The name "Golden" directly reflects the golden color imparted by the high accumulation of carotenoid pigments in the endosperm.
  • Vitamin \(B_{12}\)
  • Retinol
  • Thiamin
  • Beta Carotene
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Golden rice is a genetically modified (GM) biofortified crop developed to address Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) in developing countries where rice is a primary staple food.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

1. Normal rice grains contain no Vitamin A or its precursors in the edible endosperm.
2. Scientists genetically engineered Golden Rice by introducing genes from daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) and a soil bacterium (Pantoea ananatis).
3. These genes complete the biochemical pathway in the rice endosperm to produce Beta Carotene (provitamin A), which gives the grains their characteristic yellow-golden color.
4. When consumed, beta carotene is cleaved in the human body to yield active Vitamin A (retinol).
Thus, Golden Rice biosynthesizes Beta Carotene.

Step 3: Final Answer

The correct option is (D).
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