Biotechnology and Its Applications Question 15
15. Silencing of mRNA has been used in producing transgenic plants resistant to:
(a) bollworms
(b) nematodes
(c) white rusts
(d) bacterial blights
Show Answer
Answer : b
Hints & Solutions
(b) In this technique, nematode specific genes are introduced in the host plant in such a way that it produces both sense and antisense RNA. The two RNA’s being complementary to each other from a double stranded RNA (dsRNA) which is also called interfering RNA responsible for initiating RNA interference (RNAi). This (dsRNA) bind to and prevent translation of specific mRNA of nematode (gene silencing). Thus, transgenic plants based on RNAi technology are resistant to nematode.
