Golden rice is a transgenic crop of the future with the following improved trait:

Options

A. High vitamin A content
B. High protein content
C. Insect resistance
D. High alanine content

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Golden Rice**: Golden rice is a genetically modified organism (GMO) that has been engineered to have specific traits that improve its nutritional value.

2. **Identifying the Improved Traits**: The question lists several traits of golden rice: high vitamin A content, high protein content, insect resistance, and high alanine content.

3. **Focusing on Vitamin A Content**: Golden rice is specifically known for its high vitamin A content, which is achieved through the production of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and is responsible for the yellow color of the rice.

4. **Explaining Beta-Carotene Production**: The genetic modification in golden rice allows it to synthesize beta-carotene, which is not typically produced in significant amounts in regular rice varieties.

5. **Historical Context**: Golden rice was developed by scientists Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer in the late 1990s to combat vitamin A deficiency, particularly in developing countries.

6. **Conclusion**: Among the traits listed, the most significant and correct trait for golden rice is its high vitamin A content due to the presence of beta-carotene.

**Final Answer**: The improved trait of golden rice is high vitamin A content.

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