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Question #45175
The Question
A transgenic crop engineered for nematode resistance via RNA interference (RNAi) accidentally cross-pollinates with a wild relative due to a failure in GEAC containment protocols. If a non-target beneficial insect feeds on this wild relative and subsequently suffers mortality, what is the exact molecular basis of this unintended ecological fallout?
Options
- A.
The Agrobacterium Ti plasmid from the plant directly infects the insect's gut cells, integrating the transgene and causing insertional inactivation of vital metabolic genes.
- B.
The plant produces toxic crystal proteins that become solubilized in the alkaline pH of the insect's midgut, creating pores in the epithelial cells.
- C.
Ingested plant tissues release complementary sense and antisense RNAs that form dsRNA, which activates the insect's RISC complex to degrade homologous essential mRNAs.
- D.
The single-stranded antisense RNA from the plant directly binds to the insect's genomic DNA, preventing the RNA polymerase from transcribing essential housekeeping genes.
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
Cry Gene Specificity|GEAC Oversight|Evolutionary Ecology of Parasitism
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between the molecular mechanisms of different transgenic strategies (Bt crops vs.
RNAi crops) and understanding the exact cellular location and target of RNAi.
A common misconception is confusing post-transcriptional gene silencing (mRNA degradation via RISC) with transcriptional silencing (DNA binding) or assuming Agrobacterium vectors can directly infect the insect herbivore.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology and Its Applications - Class 12 |
| Concept | GEAC Oversight |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |