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)

Explanation

To determine which statements regarding the process of RNA interference (RNAi) are correct, we will analyze each statement one by one.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Statement (i): This is used to prevent the infestation of protozoans.**
- This statement is incorrect. RNA interference is primarily used to target nematodes and not protozoans. The focus of RNAi in agricultural biotechnology is often on pests like nematodes, such as *Meloidogyne incognita*, which affect plant roots.

2. **Statement (ii): It takes place in some eukaryotic and all prokaryotic organisms as a method of cellular defense.**
- This statement is also incorrect. RNA interference occurs in all eukaryotic organisms, but it is not a method of cellular defense in prokaryotic organisms. Prokaryotes do not utilize RNAi as a defense mechanism like eukaryotes do.

3. **Statement (iii): The method involves silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule.**
- This statement is correct. RNA interference involves the silencing of specific mRNA molecules by complementary double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). This dsRNA binds to the target mRNA, preventing its translation and effectively silencing the gene.

4. **Statement (iv): It is a novel strategy to produce pest-resistant plants.**
- This statement is correct as well. RNA interference has been developed as a strategy to create pest-resistant plants by introducing specific genes that produce dsRNA targeting pest-related genes, thus protecting the plants from infestations.

### Conclusion:
Based on the analysis:
- **Correct Statements:** (iii) and (iv)
- **Incorrect Statements:** (i) and (ii)

Thus, the correct answer is that statements (iii) and (iv) are correct regarding RNA interference.