Golden rice is

Options

A. a variety of rice grown along the yellow river in China
B. long stored rice having yellow colour tint
C. a transgenic rice having gene for `beta-` carotene
D. wild variety of rice with yellow coloured grains.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Definition of Golden Rice**: Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice that has been specifically engineered to address nutritional deficiencies.

2. **Appearance**: The rice is named "golden" due to its yellow-colored grains, which is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from traditional rice varieties.

3. **Nutritional Component**: The yellow color of the grains is attributed to the presence of beta-carotene, a pigment that is a precursor to vitamin A.

4. **Health Benefits**: Golden rice is designed to combat vitamin A deficiency, which is a significant health issue in many parts of the world. By providing a source of beta-carotene, it helps improve the nutritional intake of populations that rely heavily on rice as a staple food.

5. **Genetic Modification**: As a transgenic variety, golden rice has undergone genetic alteration to incorporate the gene responsible for producing beta-carotene. This modification is what allows the rice to provide enhanced nutritional benefits.

6. **Conclusion**: In summary, golden rice is a genetically modified rice variety that is rich in beta-carotene, making it a valuable food source for combating vitamin A deficiency.

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