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

Correct Option (B):

Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice engineered to produce beta-carotene in its endosperm. Beta-carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A, commonly referred to as pro-vitamin A. When golden rice is consumed, the human body converts beta-carotene into Vitamin A. This modification aims to combat Vitamin A deficiency, a significant nutritional problem leading to preventable blindness and increased susceptibility to diseases, particularly in children in developing countries.

Incorrect Options:

Option 1: Golden rice was developed for nutritional fortification, specifically to provide pro-vitamin A, not for enhancing grain yield. Its genetic modification does not focus on increasing productivity per acre.

Option 3: The genetic modification in golden rice is specifically for the biosynthesis of beta-carotene. It is not engineered to synthesize all nine essential amino acids. The synthesis of essential amino acids is a different nutritional objective.

Option 4: The primary nutritional enhancement in golden rice is the addition of pro-vitamin A (beta-carotene). It is not fortified with Vitamin D. Different genetic modifications would be required to introduce Vitamin D synthesis.