Consider the following statements regarding Golden rice.1. Golden rice...
Golden rice is a variety of rice produced through genetic engineering to include genes that increase the beta carotene content.
Golden Rice can help in the fight against vitamin A deficiency (VAD), particularly among the people who depend mostly on rice for nourishment.
Philippines became the first country in the world to approve commercial production of genetically modified golden rice.
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Consider the following statements regarding Golden rice.1. Golden rice...
Statement 1: Golden rice is a variety of rice produced through genetic engineering to include genes that increase the beta carotene content.
Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice that has been engineered to produce beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. This modification is achieved by introducing two genes, phytoene synthase and phytoene desaturase, into the rice plant. These genes help in the synthesis of beta carotene in the rice grains. Beta carotene is a pigment found in certain plants that can be converted by the human body into vitamin A, an essential nutrient for vision, growth, and immune function.
The objective behind developing golden rice was to address vitamin A deficiency, which is a major public health problem in many developing countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to various health issues, including blindness, weakened immune system, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Golden rice has been a subject of controversy and debate due to concerns about the safety and potential environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However, proponents argue that golden rice can be a cost-effective and sustainable solution to combat vitamin A deficiency, especially in regions where traditional approaches such as dietary diversification or vitamin supplements are not feasible.
Statement 2: India became the first country in the world to approve commercial production of genetically modified golden rice.
This statement is incorrect. As of the time of writing, India has not approved the commercial production of genetically modified golden rice. However, India has been involved in research and field trials of golden rice to assess its safety, efficacy, and agronomic performance. The Indian government and various research institutions have been actively working on genetically modified crops, including golden rice, to address the nutritional needs of its population.
While India has made progress in the field of biotechnology and has approved the cultivation of some genetically modified crops like Bt cotton, the commercial production of golden rice has not yet been approved. The regulatory authorities in India, such as the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee, evaluate the safety and efficacy of genetically modified crops before granting approvals for commercial cultivation.
In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice that has been engineered to increase the beta carotene content. However, statement 2 is incorrect as India has not approved the commercial production of genetically modified golden rice.
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