Question: 144. Silencing of specific mRNA is possible via RNAi because of –
(1) Complementary dsRNA
(2) Inhibitory ssRNA
(3) Complementary tRNA
(4) Non-complementary ssRNA
Answer: Option (1)
Explanation:
RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene-silencing mechanism in which double-stranded RNA (\text{dsRNA}) complementary to a specific mRNA triggers its degradation.
The dsRNA is processed into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which bind to the target mRNA based on sequence complementarity.
This leads to cleavage and degradation of the mRNA, preventing translation. Therefore, complementary dsRNA is essential for RNAi-mediated silencing.