The event that made Meloidogyne incognita popular was:

Options

A. its genetic modification
B. application of DNA interference
C. its m-RNA silencing by a protein complex
D. production of Bt tobacco

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Meloidogyne incognita**: Meloidogyne incognita is a type of plant-parasitic nematode that infects the roots of plants, causing a disease known as root knot disease. This disease can severely affect plant health and crop yields.

2. **Identifying the Event**: The question asks about the event that made Meloidogyne incognita popular. To answer this, we need to look at the methods used to combat the infections caused by this nematode.

3. **Evaluating Options**:
- **Option 1: Genetic Modification**: This option is incorrect as the popularity of Meloidogyne incognita is not primarily linked to genetic modification.
- **Option 2: Application of DNA Interference**: This option is also incorrect. The effective method used against Meloidogyne incognita is not DNA interference.
- **Option 3: mRNA Silencing by Protein Complex**: This option is correct. The technique known as RNA interference (RNAi) was developed to combat the effects of Meloidogyne incognita.

4. **Explaining RNA Interference**: Scientists utilized RNA interference to prevent the nematode's mRNA from being translated into proteins. This was achieved by introducing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into the plant cells. The Dicer enzyme processes this dsRNA into small interfering RNA (siRNA), which then binds to the mRNA from Meloidogyne incognita and leads to its degradation.

5. **Outcome of RNA Interference**: By breaking down the mRNA, the synthesis of proteins necessary for the nematode's infection is halted. As a result, the plant does not get infected, which significantly reduces the impact of Meloidogyne incognita.

6. **Conclusion**: The event that made Meloidogyne incognita popular was the successful application of mRNA silencing through RNA interference, which helped in managing the root knot disease caused by this nematode.

**Final Answer**: The event that made Meloidogyne incognita popular was mRNA silencing by protein complex (RNA interference).

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