Silencing a specific mRNA in order to prevent its translation is known to be a cell defense mechanism . What is the name of this process useful in making transgenic organisms ?

Options

A. Gene gun technology
B. Elution
C. RNA interference
D. Gene deletion

Answer

To solve the question regarding the process of silencing a specific mRNA to prevent its translation, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding mRNA and Translation**:
- mRNA (messenger RNA) is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA is called translation.

**Hint**: Recall the central dogma of molecular biology: DNA → RNA → Protein.

2. **Identifying the Process of Silencing mRNA**:
- The question asks for a mechanism that silences specific mRNA to prevent translation. This is a form of gene regulation.

**Hint**: Think about how cells can control which proteins are made based on their needs or in response to environmental changes.

3. **Exploring the Options**:
- The options provided are:
1. Gene gun technology
2. Illusion
3. RNA interference
4. Gene deletion
- We need to identify which of these options specifically refers to the silencing of mRNA.

**Hint**: Consider which of these processes is known for its role in gene silencing and regulation.

4. **Understanding RNA Interference**:
- RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules. This is achieved through the introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) which binds to the mRNA, preventing its translation into protein.

**Hint**: Recall that RNAi is a natural cellular mechanism that can be harnessed in biotechnology, especially in creating transgenic organisms.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the understanding of the options and the mechanism of RNA interference, the correct answer to the question is **RNA interference**.

### Final Answer:
The process of silencing a specific mRNA to prevent its translation, which is useful in making transgenic organisms, is known as **RNA interference**.