A nutrition programme in an area where many children have poor eyesight is considering genetically modified rice. Scientists have added genes so that the ri...
Question 1 Report
A nutrition programme in an area where many children have poor eyesight is considering genetically modified rice. Scientists have added genes so that the rice grain produces beta-carotene. Human cells can use beta-carotene to make vitamin A. The grains are planted, harvested and eaten as part of a normal food diet.
(a) Complete the sentence: beta-carotene is produced because the added genes are ______ in cells of the rice grain. [2]
(b) Explain why eating this genetically modified rice could reduce some cases of poor eyesight. [2]
(c) State two pieces of information that should be checked before the rice is widely used by people. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Beta-carotene is produced because the added genes are expressed in cells of the rice grain. The genes are used to make proteins or enzymes needed to make beta-carotene. [2]
(b) Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is needed for healthy vision, so this rice could reduce poor eyesight caused by vitamin A deficiency. [2]
(c) Before wide use, scientists should check the amount of beta-carotene in a normal serving and whether the rice is safe to eat and does not cause allergies. Effects on local organisms and whether people will accept and eat it are also relevant. [2]
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