Golden Rice Essay

426 Words2 Pages
WHAT IS GOLDEN RICE? Golden Rice is rice that has been genetically engineered to produce and accumulate β-carotene in the endosperm (the edible part of the grain). This gives the grains a golden colour, as opposed to regular white rice, which is lacking carotenoids. When the rice is consumed, the β-carotene is either stored in the fatty tissues of the body or converted into vitamin A. PROCESS AND PROCEDURE Normal everyday rice was converted into ‘Golden Rice’ through the addition of only two genes, found in daffodils and certain bacteria; phytoene synthase (psy) and phytoene desaturase (crt I). Using Agrobacterium, the genes for the entire β-carotene protein pathway were inserted into the rice genome, altering the gene sequence.The rice DNA is now referred to as ‘transfected’. With these new genes in place the plant is now forced to produce the enzymes needed in the biosynthetic pathway to create β-carotene in the rice grains. BIOLOGICAL/CULTURAL/TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION Technological evolution: Through the evolution of scientific and gene manipulation technology in developed countries, humans are given more control over their environment and were able to insert multiple genes into the rice plant. Through this technological evolution, biological and cultural evolution has resulted. Biological evolution: Because of improved technology the development of a new and improved strain of rice/sub-species was possible and resulted in the change in the DNA sequence of a species. This is evident in the change in physical (yellow colouring) and biochemical (vitamin-A) traits of the rice plant. Cultural evolution: Can cause a change in lifestyle patterns of people living in communities affects by VAD and improve the quality of life. Can improve the life expectancy and the way people spend their lives. REASONS A large proportion of the world’s population
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