RNA interference involves silencing of a specific mRNA due to complementarity of
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → dsRNA
Option (3) dsRNA — Correct. In RNA interference, a specific mRNA is silenced because a complementary dsRNA binds to it and prevents its translation. The dsRNA may come from an infecting RNA virus or from transposons.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 21-05-2026 (Slot 2), on 20-05-2026 (Slot 2) and on 15-05-2026 (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. This method involves silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule that binds to and prevents translation of the mRNA (silencing).”