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 ds RNA molecule that binds to and prevents translation of the mRNA (silencing). The source of this complementary RNA could be from an infection by viruses having RNA genome or mobile genetic elements (transposons) that replicate via an RNA intermediate. 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 complementary to each other formed a ds RNA that initiated RNAi and thus, silenced the specific mRNA of the nematode. The result was that the parasite could not survive in a transgenic host expressing specific interfering RNA. The transgenic plant, therefore, got itself protected from the parasite.
Silencing of mRNA has been used in producing transgenic plants resistant to
NEET UG 2011 — Zoology Biotechnology and Its Applications
Silencing of mRNA has been used in producing transgenic plants resistant to
Held on 30 Apr 2011 · Verified 9 Jul 2026.
Options
- A
bollworms
- B
nematodes
- C
white rusts
- D
bacterial blights
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Which of the following genetically engineered organisms was used by Eli Lilly to prepare human insulin?
Given below are two statements : Statement I : Transfer RNAs and ribosomal RNA do not interact with mRNA. Statement II : RNA interference (RNAi) takes place in all eukaryotic organisms as a method of cellular defence. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :
Silencing of specific mRNA is possible via RNAi because of
Match List I with List II :  Choose the correct answer form the options given below:
Match List-I with List-II : \begin{array}{llll} List-I & & List-II \\A.Genetically engineered Human Insulin & I. & Gene therapy \\B. GM Cotton & II.& E. coli \\C. ADA Deficiency & III.& Antigen-antibody interaction \\D. ELISA & IV. & Bacillus thuringiensis\end{array} Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
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