NEETZoologyBiotechnology and Its Applications
What is the result of the RNAi mechanism in the transgenic host plant?
Options
- AThe parasite survives
- BThe host plant is protected from the parasite
- CThe mRNA of the nematode is silenced
- DThe transgenic host is expressing specific interfering RNA
Correct answer
B. The host plant is protected from the parasite
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