What is Golden Rice genetically engineered to produce?

Golden Rice is specifically genetically engineered to produce beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A. The primary motivation behind the development of Golden Rice was to address vitamin A deficiency, which is a significant health issue in many developing countries, particularly among children and pregnant women. This deficiency can lead to severe health problems, including blindness and increased mortality.

By incorporating genes that allow for the synthesis of beta-carotene in the rice grains, Golden Rice aims to provide a sustainable source of this essential nutrient directly through a staple food. This approach has the potential to improve the nutritional status of populations that rely heavily on rice as their primary diet component, making it a vital innovation in agricultural biotechnology.

The other choices, while related to agricultural biotechnology, do not accurately reflect the specific purpose for which Golden Rice was engineered. It does not focus on enhancing protein levels, pest resistance, or flavor.