‘Golden rice’ is genetically engineered by altering the biosynthetic pathway for the production of
1. carotenoids
2. chlorophylls
3. flavonoids
4. Phycocyanins

 

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What is Golden Rice?

Golden rice is a genetically modified (GM) variety of rice designed to produce carotenoids, specifically beta-carotene, in the edible parts of the rice plant. Carotenoids are pigments responsible for the yellow or orange color of fruits and vegetables and are a precursor to vitamin A. The primary goal of golden rice is to help combat vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is a significant health issue in many developing countries.

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How Golden Rice is Genetically Engineered

The engineering of golden rice involves altering the biosynthetic pathway for carotenoids within the rice plant. Scientists have introduced genes from daffodils (for phytoene synthase) and bacterium Erwinia uredovora (for carotene desaturase) to enable rice to produce beta-carotene in the endosperm, the part of the rice that is typically consumed.

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The Role of Carotenoids

Carotenoids are essential nutrients that the body can convert into vitamin A, which is crucial for vision, immune system function, and cell growth. In regions where rice is a staple food, the lack of vitamin A in the diet leads to a variety of health issues, particularly in children. Golden rice provides an innovative solution by offering a natural source of beta-carotene that can help alleviate the consequences of vitamin A deficiency.

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Why Option 1 is Correct

Golden rice is genetically engineered by modifying the biosynthetic pathway for carotenoids. This allows the rice to produce beta-carotene, which gives the rice its characteristic yellow color and helps address vitamin A deficiency.

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Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

2. Chlorophylls are pigments responsible for photosynthesis in plants but are not the focus of genetic modification in golden rice.

3. Flavonoids are plant pigments responsible for the color of flowers and fruits but are not involved in the genetic engineering of golden rice.

4. Phycocyanins are pigments found in cyanobacteria and algae, not in rice or the modification of golden rice.

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Conclusion

Golden rice represents a major advancement in genetic engineering, addressing vitamin A deficiency by providing a sustainable, bioavailable source of beta-carotene. This innovation has the potential to improve global health, particularly in regions where vitamin A deficiency is prevalent, making golden rice an important development in biotechnology and public health.