Question

Golden rice is genetically modified to produce ß carotene to solve the problem of:
1. Iron deficiency
2. Obesity in developed countries
3. Zinc deficiency
4. Blindness and premature death

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Blindness and premature death

Explanation:

• Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of regular rice, consisting of ß carotene, which is a precursor to Vitamin A. 
• Golden rice is a part of the food fortification strategy, It is intended to produce a fortified food to be grown and consumed in areas with a shortage of dietary vitamin A.
• Deficiency of Vitamin A (Retinol) leads to a disease called  Nyctalopia (night blindness) where the patient suffers from poor vision at night. Also, it may cause premature death in children below the age of 5.

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•   Golden rice was developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

• Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and it occurs when the body doesn't have enough of the mineral iron.
• Zinc is an essential element for growth and sexual development, its deficiency may lead to a variety of physical ailments like loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, wounds that won’t heal.
• Obesity Is a disorder caused by the deposition of extra fat in the body, a person with a BMI higher than 25 is considered obese. It leads to higher health risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease.