NEETZoologyBiotechnology and Its Applications
What is the main cause of reduction in yield in tobacco plants?
Options
- AInfection by viruses
- BRNA interference
- CMobile genetic elements
- DInfection by nematodes
Correct answer
D. Infection by nematodes
Step-by-step solution
Pest Resistant Plants: Several nematodes parasitise a wide variety of plants and animals including human beings. A nematode Meloidegyne incognitia infects the roots of tobacco plants and causes a great reduction in yield. A novel strategy was adopted to prevent this infestation which was based on the process of RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi takes place in all eukaryotic organisms as a method of cellular defense. This method involves silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule that binds to an