In RNA interference, silencing of specific mRNA is done by complementary:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → dsRNA
RNA interference (RNAi) is a method of cell defence in all eukaryotes. A specific mRNA is silenced by a complementary double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that binds to it and stops its translation.
(1) dsDNA — Incorrect. DNA is not the silencing molecule in RNAi. It is the gene that is copied into RNA.
(2) dsRNA — Correct. A complementary dsRNA binds to the mRNA and prevents its translation.
(3) Hybrid DNA-RNA — Incorrect. This is a pairing of one DNA strand with one RNA strand, as in transcription. It does not silence mRNA.
(4) hnRNA — Incorrect. Heterogeneous nuclear RNA is the primary transcript in eukaryotes, from which mRNA is made. It is not a silencing molecule.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 20-05-2026 (Slot 2) and on 15-05-2026 (Slot 1), and in CUET (UG) 2023 on 31-05-2023 (Slot 3).
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Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture – …
