The process of RNA interference has been used to make tobacco plant resistant to

Options

A. Bacillus thuringiensis
B. Meloidogyne incognita
C. flies and mosquites
D. both (a) and (b)

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding RNA Interference (RNAi):**
- RNA interference is a biological process where RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, effectively silencing specific mRNA. This is achieved through the action of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that binds to the target mRNA.

2. **Mechanism of RNAi:**
- The dsRNA is complementary to the mRNA of the target gene. When introduced into a cell, it binds to the corresponding mRNA, leading to its degradation or preventing its translation into protein.

3. **Application in Plants:**
- RNA interference has been utilized in biotechnology to enhance plant resistance against pests and diseases. By silencing specific genes in pests or pathogens, plants can be engineered to resist infestations.

4. **Specific Case - Tobacco Plant Resistance:**
- In the case of tobacco plants, RNA interference has been specifically used to make them resistant to a nematode known as *Meloidogyne incognita*. This nematode infests the roots of the tobacco plant, causing significant yield loss.

5. **Historical Context:**
- The strategy to use RNA interference for this purpose was developed by researchers Fire and Mello in 1998, marking a significant advancement in plant biotechnology.

6. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, the process of RNA interference has been successfully used to make tobacco plants resistant to *Meloidogyne incognita*.

**Final Answer:**
The process of RNA interference has been used to make tobacco plants resistant to *Meloidogyne incognita*.

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