Question

Which of the following is a product of RNAi technique in genetic engineering?

• A. Cry proteins in Bt cotton
• B. Cry proteins of Bt brinjal
• C. Beta carotene enriched golden rice
• D. Nematode resistance in tobacco

Answer 1

The correct option is D Nematode resistance in tobacco

Meloidogyne incognita is a plant-parasitic roundworm. They infect the roots of tobacco plants and causes a great reduction in yield. A novel strategy was adopted to prevent in infestation which was based on the process of RNA interference (RNAi). This method involves silencing of a specifc mRNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule that binds to prevents translation of the mRNA (silencing).
Using Agrobacterium vectors, nematode-specific genes were introduced into the host plant. The introduction of DNA was such that it produced both sense and anti-sense RNA in the host cells. These two RNA's being complemetary to each other formed a double stranded (dsRNA) that intiated RNAi and thus, silences the specific RNA of the nematode. The consequence was the parasite could not survive in atransgenic host expressing specific interfering RNA. The transgenic plant therefore got itself protected from the parasite.