NEETZoologyBiotechnology and Its Applications
How is the RNAi mechanism initiated in the host plant?
Options
- ABy the introduction of DNA
- BBy the presence of complementary RNA
- CBy the formation of dsRNA
- DBy the presence of specific interfering RNA
Correct answer
C. By the formation of dsRNA
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