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Golden rice is a promising transgenic crop. When released for cultivation, it will help in
A
Alleviation of vitamin A deficiency
B
Pest resistance
C
Herbicide tolerance
D
Producing a petrol-like fuel from rice
Detailed Solution
Golden rice is a transgenic variety of rice (Oryza sativa) developed by Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer.
Genes for the biosynthesis of $\beta$-carotene (provitamin A), taken from daffodil and a bacterium, were introduced so that $\beta$-carotene is produced in the endosperm of the grain.
The $\beta$-carotene gives the grains a golden yellow colour, and it is converted into vitamin A in the human body.
Rice is the staple food of a large population in which vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness and xerophthalmia in children.
So golden rice will help in the alleviation of vitamin A deficiency.
It has not been engineered for pest resistance (as Bt crops are), herbicide tolerance or fuel production.
Genes for the biosynthesis of $\beta$-carotene (provitamin A), taken from daffodil and a bacterium, were introduced so that $\beta$-carotene is produced in the endosperm of the grain.
The $\beta$-carotene gives the grains a golden yellow colour, and it is converted into vitamin A in the human body.
Rice is the staple food of a large population in which vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness and xerophthalmia in children.
So golden rice will help in the alleviation of vitamin A deficiency.
It has not been engineered for pest resistance (as Bt crops are), herbicide tolerance or fuel production.