RNA interference process occurs in ________as a method of cellular defense
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → All eukaryotes
RNA interference (RNAi) silences a particular mRNA: a complementary double-stranded RNA binds to it and stops its translation.
Option (4) All eukaryotes — Correct. RNAi is a defence found in every eukaryote, single-celled or many-celled, so “all eukaryotes” takes in options (2) and (3) together. Prokaryotes are not included.
NCERT Extract:
Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture – “… Pest Resistant Plants: Several nematodes parasitise a wide variety of plants and animals including human beings. A nematode Meloidegyne incognitia infects the roots of tobacco plants and causes a great reduction in yield. A novel strategy was adopted to prevent this infestation which was based on the process of RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi takes place in all eukaryotic organisms as a method of cellular defense.”