RNA Interference Technology Applications
Question
'RNA interference (RNAi)' technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1.
It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
- 2.
It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
- 3.
It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
- 4.
It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.
Options
1, 2 and 4
2 and 3
1 and 3
1 and 4 only
Explanation
RNAi technology works by silencing specific genes through degradation of messenger RNA (mRNA). Statement 1 is correct: Gene silencing is the fundamental mechanism of RNAi, turning off unwanted genes. Statement 2 is correct: RNAi has promising applications in cancer therapy by silencing oncogenes or genes that promote tumor growth. Statement 3 is incorrect: RNAi does not develop hormone replacement therapies; it silences genes rather than replacing hormones. HRT involves supplementing hormones, which is different from gene silencing. Statement 4 is correct: RNAi can be used to develop viral resistance in plants by silencing genes that viruses require for replication, or by directly targeting viral RNA. RNAi technology has led to the first FDA-approved RNAi therapeutic in 2018 for a rare inherited disease. > RNAi = Gene silencing mechanism for cancer, viral resistance, genetic diseases (NOT hormone replacement). Answer: a.
Question details
Year
2019
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q96
Subject
Science & Technology
Sub-topic
Biotechnology and Gene Therapy
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering 2018-2019
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