RNA Interference (RNAi): Advanced Gene Silencing

RNAi is a gene-silencing mechanism found in eukaryotes. It involves the production of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to block the expression of specific genes.

Application in Agriculture:

• Meloidogyne incognita, a root-knot nematode, severely damages tobacco crops.
• Using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, scientists introduced nematode-specific genes into tobacco plants.
• The plants produced sense and antisense RNA, which formed dsRNA.
• This triggered RNAi, silencing essential nematode genes.
• As a result, the nematode could not survive, and the transgenic plants became resistant.