Arrange the steps involved in creating pest-resistant transgenic plants using RNA interference (RNAi).
(A) Binding of complementary RNAs to form double-stranded RNA (dsRNA).
(B) Formation of sense and antisense RNA in the host cells.
(C) Silencing of specific mRNA of the nematode.
(D) Introduction of nematode-specific genes into the host plant using Agrobacterium vectors.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → (D), (B), (A), (C)
(D) Introduction of nematode-specific genes into the host plant using Agrobacterium vectors. — first. Nothing can happen in the plant until the nematode genes are put into it. Agrobacterium is used because it naturally carries DNA into plant cells.
(B) Formation of sense and antisense RNA in the host cells. — second. The introduced DNA is made to produce both a sense RNA and an anti-sense RNA in the host cells.
(A) Binding of complementary RNAs to form double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). — third. The sense and anti-sense RNAs are complementary, so they pair up into a double-stranded RNA. This dsRNA starts RNA interference.
(C) Silencing of specific mRNA of the nematode. — last. When the nematode feeds on the plant, the dsRNA binds to the nematode’s matching mRNA and stops its translation. The parasite cannot survive, so the plant is protected.
NCERT Extract:
Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture – …
