Genetically modified ‘golden rice’ has been engineered to meet human nutritional requirements. Which one of the following statements best qualifies golden rice?

1. The grains have been fortified with genes to provide three times higher grain yield per acre than other high yielding varieties
2. Its grains contain pro-vitamin A which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body
3. Its modified genes cause the synthesis of all the nine essential amino acids
4. Its modified genes cause the fortification of its grains with vitamin D

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• Golden rice is a genetically engineered variety of rice developed to combat vitamin A deficiency, a major public health problem in many developing countries. In conventional rice, the edible endosperm does not produce beta-carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A. Through genetic modification, genes responsible for beta-carotene synthesis were introduced into the rice genome. As a result, the rice grains produce beta-carotene, which gives them a golden colour. When consumed, beta-carotene is converted by the human body into vitamin A. Golden rice does not enhance yield, does not synthesise essential amino acids, and does not provide vitamin D; its sole nutritional objective is vitamin A supplementation.

Answer: (b) Its grains contain pro-vitamin A, which, upon ingestion, is converted to vitamin A in the human body