Final answer:
The radiation caused changes to the genetic material (DNA) of the rice plants, leading to the production of new proteins, such as gluten, which is not naturally present in rice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The radiation used on the rice plants induces mutations by causing changes in the plant's DNA, which is known as the genetic material. These mutations can lead to the expression of new traits, such as the production of novel proteins that were not originally found in the organism. In this case, the rice plants were mutated to produce gluten, a protein complex typically found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye but not naturally present in rice.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
A. The radiation caused changes to the genetic material of the rice plants, which lead to the production of new proteins.