USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Practice Exam

Why could the production of "golden rice" be crucial for developing nations?

1. It is cheaper to produce

2. It contains higher concentrations of β-carotene than white rice

3. It grows faster than traditional rice

4. It has a longer shelf life

The correct answer is: It contains higher concentrations of β-carotene than white rice

The production of "golden rice" is crucial for developing nations primarily because it contains higher concentrations of β-carotene than white rice. β-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining good vision, immune function, and skin health. In many developing countries, where rice is a staple food, diets are often deficient in vitamin A due to limited access to diverse food sources. By bioengineering rice to produce β-carotene, golden rice serves as a potential solution to combat vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to severe health issues, including blindness and increased mortality rates in children. The introduction of golden rice could significantly improve overall nutrition and health outcomes in regions where vitamin A deficiency is prevalent, thus playing a vital role in alleviating micronutrient malnutrition in these populations.