‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?
- It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
- It can be used in developing therapies for-the treatment of cancer.
- It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
- It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct Answer: Option A
RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process where RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, leading to gene silencing.
Statement 1 is correct: RNAi is indeed used in developing gene silencing therapies by suppressing the expression of specific genes.
Statement 2 is correct: RNAi shows potential in cancer treatment by targeting cancer-related genes (oncogenes) and inhibiting tumor growth.
Statement 3 is incorrect: RNAi is not typically used for hormone replacement therapies.
Statement 4 is correct: RNAi is used to develop crop plants resistant to viral pathogens. Introducing short, non-coding regions of viral RNA sequences into plants can provide protection against viral infections through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS).
Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
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