Question

RNA interference is used for which of the following purposes in the field of biotechnology?

(1) to reduce post harvest losses

(2) to develop a plant tolerant to abiotic stresses

(3) to develop a pest resistant plant against infestation by nematode

(4) to enhance the mineral usage by the plant

Answer 1

Answer (3) to develop a pest resistant plant against infestation by nematode

Sol. Option (3) is the correct answer. Transgenic tobacco plants using RNAi exhibit resistance to nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Many GM crops show reduced post harvest losses and exhibit resistance to abiotic stresses but that is not the aim of RNAi.