Q.32 Which of the following statement(s) about Golden Rice is/are correct?
(A) Consumption of it increases vitamin A levels
(B) Consumption of it increases vitamin D levels
(C) Consumption of it increases vitamin K levels
(D) It is a transgenic crop containing –carotene
Golden Rice is a genetically engineered variety designed to combat vitamin A deficiency through β-carotene production. Statements (A) and (D) are correct, while (B) and (C) are not.
Option Analysis
Option (A): Correct. Consumption of Golden Rice raises vitamin A levels because its β-carotene converts efficiently to retinol in humans, with studies showing 3.8 μg β-carotene yielding 1 μg retinol. Daily intake of 50-100 g uncooked rice meets 50-90% of children’s vitamin A needs.
Option (B): Incorrect. Golden Rice targets vitamin A via β-carotene and does not increase vitamin D levels, which forms mainly through sunlight exposure on skin. No engineering or studies link it to vitamin D.
Option (C): Incorrect. Golden Rice lacks modification for vitamin K, synthesized by gut bacteria or found in greens, and compositional analyses confirm no elevation in vitamin K content.
Option (D): Correct. Golden Rice is transgenic, with inserted daffodil and bacterial genes (psy and crtI) enabling β-carotene biosynthesis in endosperm, giving golden hue and provitamin A.
Golden Rice, a transgenic crop engineered with β-carotene, addresses vitamin A deficiency by increasing vitamin A levels upon consumption. This biofortified rice produces provitamin A in its grains, offering a sustainable solution for rice-dependent populations.
Key Features
-
Contains 20-35 μg β-carotene per gram, converting to retinol effectively.
-
Developed via genes from daffodil (psy) and bacterium (crtI) for endosperm expression.
-
Provides 50-100% daily vitamin A needs from modest servings (75-100 g).
Nutritional Impact
Clinical trials confirm β-carotene from Golden Rice raises serum retinol, unlike vitamins D or K, which remain unaffected. It targets VAD-related blindness and immunity issues without altering other vitamins.
Development and Approval
First created in 2000, Golden Rice 2 enhances β-carotene yield; approved in Philippines for cultivation. Compositional studies show safety comparable to conventional rice, except for intended provitamin A.
