NEETZoologyBiotechnology - Principles and Processes
To develop cellular defense against the nematode Meloidogyne incognita in tobacco plants, nematode-specific genes are introduced into the host plant. Which of the following correctly identifies the vector used for this gene transfer and the type of RNA molecules produced in the host cells?
Options
- ASalmonella typhimurium ; Both sense and antisense RNA
- BAgrobacterium tumefaciens ; Only antisense RNA
- CRetrovirus ; Both sense and antisense RNA
- DAgrobacterium tumefaciens ; Both sense and antisense RNA
Correct answer
D. Agrobacterium tumefaciens ; Both sense and antisense RNA
Step-by-step solution
Agrobacterium tumefaciens is used as a cloning vector to introduce nematode-specific genes into the host plant (tobacco). The introduction of DNA is designed in such a way that it produces both sense and antisense RNA in the host cells. These two RNAs, being complementary to each other, form a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that initiates RNA interference (RNAi) and silences the specific mRNA of the nematode. Salmonella typhimurium was the source of the first recombinant plasmid, and retroviruses are generally used as