UPSC Prelims 2010·GS1·science-and-technology·ipr and biotechnology

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

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AThe grains have been fortified with genes to provide three times higher grain yield per acre than other high yielding varieties
  2. BIts grains contain pro-vitamin A which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human bodyCorrect
  3. CIts modified genes cause the synthesis of all the nine essential amino acids
  4. DIts modified genes cause the fortification of its grains with vitamin D.

Explanation

Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice developed to address vitamin A deficiency. It is engineered by inserting genes from maize and a common soil bacterium into the rice genome. These genes allow the rice plant to produce beta carotene in the endosperm, which is the edible part of the grain. Beta carotene is a precursor or pro vitamin A that gives the grains a distinct golden yellow color. When consumed, the human body converts this beta carotene into vitamin A. This makes option B the correct statement. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because golden rice is specifically designed for vitamin A enrichment, not for yield enhancement, amino acid synthesis, or vitamin D fortification.
science-and-technology: Genetically modified "golden rice" has been engineered to meet human nutritional requirements. Which one of the followin
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