Question

'Golden rice' developed through transgene approach is enriched with

• A. high lysine content
• B. high methionine content
• C. high glutenin content
• D. high vitamin $A$ content

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Rice is a staple food in many countries, particularly in Asia, but does not contain vitamin $A$ or its immediate precursors. By inserting two genes from Daffodil and one gene from a bacterial species into rice plants, Swiss researchers have produced rice capable of synthesising $\beta$-carotene, the precursor of vitamin $A$. Vitamin $A$ is required by all individuals as it is present in retina of eyes. Deficiency of vitamin A causes night blindness and skin disorders. This rice is called 'Golden rice' because of yellow colour of rice grains due to the presence of $\beta$-carotene.