Q161 / 180 · NEET 2013 (Karnataka) · Zoology

RNA interference involves:

  • A
    synthesis of $\mathrm{DNA}$ and RNA using reverse transcriptase.
  • Correct answer
    B
    silencing of specific $m \mathrm{RNA}$ due to complementary RNA
  • C
    interference of RNA in synthesis of DNA
  • D
    synthesis of mRNA from DNA.

Solution

The process of RNA interference (RNA $i$ ) involves silencing of a specific $m$ RNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule that binds to and prevents translation of the $m$ RNA, also referred as RNA silencing. Related Theory In RNAi, the source of this complementary $R N A$ could be from an infection by viruses having RNA genomes or transposons. Using Agrobacterium vectors, nematode-specific genes were introduced into the host plant such that it produced both sense and antisense RNA in the host cells. Two RNAs being complementary to each other formed a double stranded RNA (dsRNA) and thus, silenced the specific $m R N A$ of the nematode. The process of RNA interference was adopted to prevent the infection of tobacco plants by Meloidegyne incognita.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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