Which of the following foods can help prevent the type of blindness associated with vitamin A deficiency?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) -Golden rice
Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice that has been engineered to produce beta-carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A. The gene responsible for the biosynthesis of beta-carotene is inserted into the rice plant, allowing it to synthesize the vitamin. Vitamin A deficiency is a significant health issue in many developing countries and can lead to blindness, particularly in children. Golden rice was developed to address this problem by providing a dietary source of vitamin A, which is essential for vision and immune function.
By introducing this gene into rice, scientists aimed to address vitamin A deficiency and its associated health issues in regions where rice is a staple food. The golden rice variety has the potential to improve the nutritional status of communities that heavily rely on rice as a dietary staple.