Question

Golden rice is a variety rich in
(A) Beta-carotene and ferritin
(B) Lysine
(C) Vitamin-C
(D) Biotin

Answer 1

Hint: Genetically modified organisms are the plants, animals, bacteria and fungi whose genes have been altered by manipulation. Genetically modified plants have been useful in various ways:
- Enhanced nutritional value in food (ex: Golden rice which contains vitamin A)
- Helped to reduced post-harvest losses
- Made crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, heat)
- Reduced reliance on chemical use
- Increased efficiency of minerals usage by plants

Complete answer:
> Option A: Beta-carotene and ferritin:
Beta-carotene is a red-orange pigment found in plants and fruits. It gives vegetables and fruits their rich colours due to the presence of pigments. In the outside human body, it acts as pigment but when it enters the body it converts into vitamin A (retinol) which is helpful in good vision and eye health. Ferritin is an iron storage protein. It helps in providing iron to the body for critical cellular processes.

> Option B: Lysine:
Lysine is an amino acid which is used as a medicine for preventing and treating cold sores. It helps in absorption of calcium and plays an important role in the formation of collagen.

> Option C: Vitamin C:
It is also known as ascorbic acid. It is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes etc. It is used to prevent and treat scurvy and helps in repairing of tissues which heals the wounds.

> Option D: Biotin:
It is a water-soluble vitamin which is a part of the vitamin B family. It helps to convert certain nutrients into energy which is helpful in the health of hair, skin and nails.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: In the above, we detailed the Golden rice which is a genetically modified organism. It is also known as Oryza sativa. It is developed to produce nutrient-dense staple crops which can reduce malnutrition in developing countries. It has been modified by using a gene from maize and a gene of bacteria which allows biosynthesis beta-carotene in the rice.