Question

Which of the following is true for Golden rice?
A. It is vitamin A enriched, with a gene from daffodil
B. It is pest resistant, with a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis
C. It is drought tolerant, developed using Agrobacterium vector
D. It has yellow grains, because of a gene introduced from a primitive variety of rice

Answer 1

Golden Rice is an example of a transgenic crop that contains and expresses a transgene. This crop is popularly known as genetically modified crops or GM crops. Golden rice was introduced to enhance the nutritional value of food.

Complete answer:
Golden rice is synthesized by genetic engineering. Beta carotene is a precursor of Vitamin A that is biosynthesized in the production of Golden rice.
Beta carotene is also responsible for the golden colour in golden rice. This transgenic rice is rich in Vitamin A and Iron.
Two beta carotene biosynthesis genes are used to transform rice and create Golden rice. One of those genes is the ‘psy’ gene from Daffodil.
Golden rice is popularly used in a fight against Vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency is considered as a public health issue. Supply of Vitamin A in the form of genetically engineered rice is a part of different health programs that are used by the government of many countries in order to combat cases like Xerophthalmia and Irreversible night blindness in many undernourished children.

Therefore the correct option is (A) It is vitamin A enriched, with a gene from daffodil.

Note:
The use of genetically modified crops is a possible solution to many of the agricultural problems such as:

Such crops are more tolerant of abiotic stresses like cold, drought, salt, heat, etc.
GM crops show reduced reliance on chemical pesticides.
Genetically modified crops help to reduce post-harvest losses.
These crops also enhance the nutritional value of food.