Zaymiey

🔬 Biology  ·  Biotechnology and its Applications  ·  NEET

In making nematode-resistant tobacco, host cells were made to produce both sense and antisense RNA. How does this silence the nematode gene?

Answer: The two RNAs form a double strand that silences the mRNA.

  • A The RNAs cut the plant DNA
  • B The RNAs code for a toxic protein
  • C The two RNAs form a double strand that silences the mRNA
  • D The RNAs increase nematode reproduction inside the host roots

Correct answer: C. The two RNAs form a double strand that silences the mRNA

Explanation: The sense and antisense RNAs, being complementary, pair to form a double-stranded RNA that triggers RNAi, silencing the specific nematode mRNA so the parasite cannot survive.

Concept context

GM crops, transgenic animals, gene therapy, molecular diagnostics, and bioethics. Frequent 2–3 mark questions in NEET.

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