NEETZoologyBiotechnology and Its Applications
RNA interference (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. Which of the following can act as a natural source of this complementary RNA?
Options
- AMobile genetic elements that replicate via an RNA intermediate
- BPlasmids isolated from Agrobacterium tumefaciens
- CRetroviruses that replicate exclusively via a DNA intermediate
- DSingle-stranded DNA bacteriophages
Correct answer
A. Mobile genetic elements that replicate via an RNA intermediate
Step-by-step solution
RNA interference (RNAi) is a method of cellular defense in all eukaryotes. It involves the silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule that binds to and prevents translation of the mRNA. According to NCERT, the source of this complementary RNA could be from an infection by viruses having RNA genomes or mobile genetic elements (transposons) that replicate via an RNA intermediate. Plasmids from Agrobacterium are used as vectors to artificially introduce genes, not as natural sources of the comp