![Q.42 Determine the correctness or otherwise of the following Assertion [a] and the Reason [r] Assertion [a]: A genetically engineered rice that produces beta-carotene in the rice grain is called Golden rice Reason [r]: Enabling biosynthesis of provitamin A in the rive endosperm gives a characteristic yellow orange color (A) Both [a] and [n] are false (B) Both [a] and [r] are true but is not the correct reason for [a] (C) Both [a] and are true and is the correct reason for [a] (D) [A] is true but [r] is false](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTkyMCAxMDgwIiB3aWR0aD0iMTkyMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDgwIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==)
Q.42 Determine the correctness or otherwise of the following Assertion [a] and the Reason [r]
Assertion [a]: A genetically engineered rice that produces beta–carotene in the rice grain is called Golden rice
Reason [r]: Enabling biosynthesis of provitamin A in the rive endosperm gives a characteristic yellow orange color
(A) Both [a] and [n] are false
(B) Both [a] and [r] are true but is not the correct reason for [a]
(C) Both [a] and are true and is the correct reason for [a]
(D) [A] is true but [r] is false
Golden Rice produces beta-carotene in rice endosperm, giving it a golden color due to provitamin A biosynthesis. Both the assertion and reason are true, with the reason correctly explaining the assertion.
Assertion Analysis
Assertion [a] states that a genetically engineered rice producing beta-carotene in the grain is Golden Rice. This holds true, as Golden Rice (developed in the late 1990s) incorporates genes for phytoene synthase and lycopene beta-cyclase to enable beta-carotene synthesis in the endosperm.
Reason Evaluation
Reason [r] claims that enabling provitamin A (beta-carotene) biosynthesis in rice endosperm yields a yellow-orange color. Beta-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid, imparts this distinctive golden hue, directly causing the rice’s name and appearance.
Option Breakdown
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(A) Both false: Incorrect, since both statements are accurate.
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(B) Both true but [r] not reason for [a]: Incorrect, as the color from beta-carotene biosynthesis defines Golden Rice.
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(C) Both true and [r] correct reason: Correct, linking production directly to the color trait.
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(D) [a] true, [r] false: Incorrect, as [r] is factual.
Correct Answer
Option (C).
Golden Rice beta-carotene production addresses vitamin A deficiency through genetic engineering. This biotech innovation inserts daffodil and bacterial genes into rice, enabling beta-carotene (provitamin A) synthesis in the endosperm for a golden hue.
Key Benefits
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Combats blindness in rice-dependent regions.
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Boosts carotenoid levels up to 35 μg/g in grains.
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Stable across cooking and storage.
Assertion-Reason in Exams
In IIT JAM Biotechnology, such questions test GM crop mechanisms. Assertion [a] identifies Golden Rice correctly; reason [r] explains the color via beta-carotene pigmentation, making (C) the answer.
Development History
First prototype in 2000; Golden Rice 2 (2010s) uses maize genes for higher yield. Regulatory approvals advance in Asia.
