NEETZoologyBiotechnology and Its Applications
What is the main strategy adopted to prevent infestation of tobacco plants by nematodes?
Options
- AReplication of mobile genetic elements
- BRNA interference
- CInfection by viruses
- DUse of chemical pesticides
Correct answer
B. RNA interference
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 a