Question

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the process of RNA interference?
(i) This is used to prevent the infestation of protozoans.
(ii) It takes place in some eukaryotic and all prokaryotic organisms as a method of cellular defense.
(iii) The method involves silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule.
(iv) It is a novel strategy to produce pest-resistant plants.

• A. (iii) and (iv)
• B. (i) and (iii)
• C. (i) and (ii)
• D. (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

(iii) and (iv)

RNAI or RNA interference takes place in all eukaryotic organisms as a method of cellular defense. This method involves silencing of a specific mRNA. Using Agrobacterium vectors, nematode-specific genes are introduced of DNA was such that it produced both sense and anti-sense RNA in the host cells. These two RNAs being complementary to each other formed a dsRNA (double-stranded RNA) that initiated RNAI.

So, the correct answer is '(iii) and (iv)'.