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).