Which of the following statements are correct regarding the process of RNA interference ?
(i) This is used to prevent the infestation of protozoans
(ii) It takes place in some eukaryotic and all prokaryotic organism as a method of cellular defense
(iii) The method involves silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule
(v)It is a novel strategy to produce pest-resistant plants.

Options

A. (iii) and (iv)
B. (i) and (iii)
C. (i) and (ii)
D. (ii),(iii) and (iv)

Answer

A

Explanation

RNAi or RNA interference takes place in all eukaryotic organisms as a method of cellular defense. This method involves silencing of a specific mRNA. Using Agrobacterium vectors, nematode specific genes are introduced into the host plant (tobacco plant). The introduction of DNA was such that it produced both sense and anti-sence RNA in the host cells. These two RNAs being complementary to each other formed a dsRNA (double straded RNA) that initiated RNAi