Golden rice is a genetically-modified crop plant where the incorporated gene is meant for biosynthesis of

Golden rice is a variety of rice (Oryza sativa) produced through genetic engineering to biosynthesize beta-carotene in the edible endosperm [1]. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid pigment that serves as a precursor to Vitamin A, meaning it is converted into Vitamin A when metabolized by the human body [1]. This genetically modified crop was specifically developed as a fortified food to combat Vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is a significant public health issue in developing countries, often leading to blindness and increased mortality in children and pregnant women [2]. While normal rice plants produce beta-carotene in their leaves for photosynthesis, they do not naturally produce it in the grain; the insertion of specific genes allows the rice to complete the biosynthetic pathway in the starchy part of the seed.

Sources

1. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_rice
2. [2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10379675/