RNA interference takes place in all eukaryotic organisms as a method of:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Cellular defense
Option (1) Cellular defense — Correct. RNA interference (RNAi) takes place in all eukaryotes as a method of cellular defence. A double-stranded RNA binds to a matching mRNA and stops its translation, for example against viruses.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 30-05-2023 (Slot 1).
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.”