RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last

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.

1, 2 and 4
2 and 3
1 and 3
2, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2019
The correct option is A, as statements 1, 2, and 4 accurately describe applications of RNA interference technology, while statement 3 does not.
RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules. This mechanism is utilized to “silence” specific genes.
1. **Gene silencing therapies:** RNAi is a primary mechanism used in gene silencing. This property is being explored to develop therapies for various genetic disorders and diseases by turning off specific problematic genes.
2. **Cancer treatment:** RNAi can be used to silence genes that promote cancer cell growth, survival, or metastasis, making it a promising area of research for developing new cancer therapies.
3. **Hormone replacement therapies:** Hormone replacement therapy involves administering exogenous hormones to correct a deficiency or imbalance. RNAi deals with regulating gene expression and is not directly used in hormone replacement therapy.
4. **Crop resistance to viral pathogens:** RNAi can be engineered in plants to target and silence viral genes, thereby making the plants resistant to specific viral infections. This is a recognized application in agricultural biotechnology.