Anne Gertrudes P.

Gaurano

DVM1A

Introduction

In 1974, the Asilomar Conference Center in California hosted a gathering of international

scientists, attorneys, and journalists. The potential for recombinant DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
to help advance medicine, agriculture, and industry was recognized, but it was tempered with
concerns about human health and the environment from newly produced organisms with the
ability to self-replicate. Some scientists believed that scientists "taking leadership in formulating
policies that were matters of public concern" posed a significant risk; others believed that the
public debate itself posed a significant risk, and that the fallout of claim and counterclaim would
result in crippling restrictions or even prohibitions on molecular biological research. Within 20
years of Watson and Crick revealing the structure of DNA, scientists began debating what
amount of worry, and what level of regulation, was appropriate in the way science conducted
genetic research. A decade after Asilomar, the first transgenic plant was created, and within two
years, an established plant breeder, Peter Jennings, had the idea that led to Ingo Potrykus and
Peter Beyer embarking on a decade of research to develop a rice that accumulated carotenoids,
which could be used as a source of vitamin A when consumed by humans. In 1999, they
created their first 'proof of concept' beta-carotene biofortified rice. The prototype Golden Rice
featured three genes of interest inserted from other species, but this was eventually reduced to
two, and the plant source of one of the genes was changed from daffodil to maize. It enhanced
the number of carotenoids as well as the fraction of beta-carotene, the most significant
carotenoid for vitamin A production in the human body. The inventors donated the technology to
help malnourished and resource-poor people in 2001, including any future better versions
developed by them and their collaborators. At the Asilomar summit, for most currently prevalent
applications of recombinant DNA, including pharmaceuticals and food processing. Before an
entrenched, intransigent, and chronic opposition emerged, the matter and its resolution were
completed. Obtaining regulatory approval is obviously time consuming and costly, but it is only
one part of what may be properly called "societal skepticism" of crop plant genetic engineering.
The 'Politics of Golden Rice' can be defined as the total of all societal suspicions about Golden
Rice and its consequences.
Summary

Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer began a decade of study to develop a rice that accumulated
carotenoids and could be consumed by people as a source of vitamin A. In 1999, they created
their first 'proof of concept' beta-carotene biofortified rice.

There were concerns for human health and the environment from newly created organisms with
the potential for self-replication. Some scientists believed that there were dangers in scientists
assuming leadership in formulating policies on matters of public concern.

Critique

Variety is the spice of life, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In
farming systems, it is critical and should be the rule rather than the exception. It only takes two
tablespoons of yellow sweet potatoes and half a cup of dark chocolate to make this dish. A
day's worth of green leafy veggies or two-thirds of a medium-sized mango meet a pre-school
child's vitamin A requirement This way, not only are you saving money, but you're also saving
time. The need for vitamin A is being met, but also a slew of other issues as well as
micronutrients. The most effective way to combat vitamin A deficiency is malnutrition is to make
greater use of the low-cost, high-nutrient foods that are already available, as well as diversifying
food production strategies in both the fields and the home. The Green Revolution's exuberance
hindered research to improve and promote these initiatives, and the introduction of golden rice
will exacerbate the problem. Golden rice is just a marketing gimmick. It will, however, influence
worldwide and national research priorities. Golden rice proponents claim that they do not want
to deny the poor the ability to choose and the opportunity to gain from the grain. However, the
poor, particularly poor farmers, have long been denied the ability to choose their own destiny.

Conclusion

Most effective way to combat vitamin A deficiency is to make greater use of already available,
high-nutrient foods. Golden rice is just a marketing gimmick; it will influence worldwide and
national research priorities. The poor have long been denied the ability to choose their own
destiny.