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Question #45126
The Question
Both the Flavr Savr tomato and the nematode-resistant tobacco plant (resistant to Meloidogyne incognita) were developed using gene-silencing technologies. Which of the following statements accurately differentiates the specific molecular mechanisms employed in these two transgenic plants?
Options
- A.
The tobacco plant utilizes a mechanism dependent on the host's RISC complex for enzymatic degradation of target mRNA, whereas the Flavr Savr tomato relies on the expression of antisense RNA to form a duplex that sterically hinders translation.
- B.
The Flavr Savr tomato utilizes transposon-mediated RNA interference to silence the polygalacturonase gene, whereas the tobacco plant uses antisense RNA to physically block the translation of nematode-specific mRNA.
- C.
Gene silencing in the tobacco plant is achieved by introducing only the antisense strand of the nematode gene, whereas the Flavr Savr tomato requires the simultaneous expression of both sense and antisense RNAs.
- D.
Both plants utilize the exact same Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS) pathway where a single-stranded antisense RNA directly recruits the Dicer enzyme to cleave the target mRNA.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
RNAi|Flavr Savr Tomato|Polygalacturonase|Antisense RNA
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often conflate 'Antisense RNA technology' with 'RNA interference (RNAi)' because both involve complementary RNA binding.
The trap lies in distinguishing between translational inhibition via simple duplex formation (steric hindrance in Flavr Savr) and active enzymatic degradation via the Dicer/RISC pathway initiated by dsRNA (RNAi in tobacco).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology and Its Applications - Class 12 |
| Concept | RNA Interference (RNAi) Mechanism |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |