Read the passage from "Carrots with Character," which
is an informational text about the health benefits of
genetically modified carrots.
The researchers, led by plant geneticist Philipp Simon,
haven't limited themselves to the color orange. They've
selectively bred a rainbow of carrots-purple, red,
yellow, even white. Scientists are learning that these
plant pigments perform a range of protective duties in
the human body-which is not surprising, says Simon,
since many of the pigments serve to shield plant cells
during photosynthesis.
Red carrots derive their color mainly from lycopene, a
type of carotene believed to guard against heart
disease and some cancers. Yellow carrots accumulate
xanthophylls, pigments similar to beta-carotene that
support good eye health. Purple carrots possess an
entirely different class of pigments-anthocyanins-
which act as powerful antioxidants.
What is the author's
most likely reason for writing this
passage?
to explain how plant pigments can have health
benefits
to describe the different colors of genetically
modified carrots
to explain how genetically modified foods are more
healthy than other foods
O to describe the process of creating genetically
modified carrots