Silencing of specific mRNA by binding of complementary dsRNA, that prevents translation of mRNA is known as:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → RNA interference
Option (2) RNA interference — Correct. In RNA interference (RNAi), a complementary dsRNA binds to a specific mRNA and prevents its translation, silencing it. It is used to make tobacco plants resistant to the nematode Meloidogyne incognita.
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. This method involves silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule that binds to and prevents translation of the mRNA (silencing).”