Nematode specific genes are introduced into the tobacco plants using agrobacterium vectors to develop resistance in tobacco plants against nematode .Explain the events that occur in tobacco plant to develop resistance

Options

A. Agrobacterium vectors
B. Disarmed retroviruses
C. Cosmid
D. Bacteriophage `lamda ` - DNA

Answer

To explain the events that occur in tobacco plants to develop resistance against nematodes using Agrobacterium vectors, we can break down the process into several key steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Nematodes**:
- Nematodes are parasitic worms that infect tobacco plants, leading to reduced yield and overall health of the plants. They enter the plant cells and produce messenger RNA (mRNA) that leads to the synthesis of proteins, which facilitate their survival and reproduction within the plant.

**Hint**: Recognize that nematodes are harmful to tobacco plants and understand their method of infection.

2. **Introduction of Nematode-Specific Genes**:
- To combat the nematode infection, specific genes that are effective against nematodes are introduced into the tobacco plants. This is achieved using Agrobacterium vectors, which are tools that facilitate the transfer of genetic material into plant cells.

**Hint**: Focus on the role of Agrobacterium as a vector for gene transfer.

3. **RNA Interference Mechanism**:
- The introduced nematode-specific genes lead to the production of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) within the plant cells. This dsRNA is crucial for the process of RNA interference (RNAi), a biological mechanism that silences specific mRNA molecules.

**Hint**: Remember that RNA interference is a key mechanism for gene silencing.

4. **Silencing of Nematode mRNA**:
- The double-stranded RNA produced from the nematode-specific genes binds to the mRNA produced by the nematodes. This binding prevents the mRNA from being translated into proteins, effectively silencing it.

**Hint**: Understand that silencing the nematode's mRNA stops the production of proteins essential for its survival.

5. **Prevention of Nematode Nutrition**:
- With the nematode mRNA silenced, the proteins necessary for the nematodes to thrive are not produced. As a result, the nematodes cannot obtain the nutrients they need from the tobacco plant, leading to their eventual death.

**Hint**: Consider how the lack of protein production affects the nematode's ability to survive.

6. **Development of Resistant Tobacco Plants**:
- Over time, the tobacco plants develop resistance to nematodes due to the successful silencing of the nematode genes. This genetic modification allows the plants to grow healthier and yield better despite the presence of nematodes.

**Hint**: Conclude by recognizing the overall outcome of the process: the development of nematode-resistant tobacco plants.

### Summary:
The introduction of nematode-specific genes into tobacco plants via Agrobacterium vectors leads to the production of double-stranded RNA, which silences the nematode's mRNA, preventing protein synthesis and ultimately causing the nematodes to die. This results in the development of resistant tobacco plants.