(N/A) Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice, $Oryza \text{ } sativa$, which has been developed as a fortified food for areas where there is a shortage of dietary vitamin $A$.
It contains a precursor of pro-vitamin $A$, called beta-carotene, which has been introduced into the rice through genetic engineering.
The rice plant naturally produces beta-carotene pigment in its leaves.
However, it is absent in the endosperm of the seed because beta-carotene pigment helps in the process of photosynthesis, while photosynthesis does not occur in the endosperm.
Since beta-carotene is a precursor of pro-vitamin $A$, it is introduced into the rice variety to fulfill the shortage of dietary vitamin $A$.
It is a simple and less expensive alternative to vitamin supplements.
However, this variety of rice has faced significant opposition from environmental activists and is still not widely available in the market for human consumption.