Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I : RNA interference takes place in all Eukaryotic organisms as method of cellular defense.
Statement II : RNAi involves the silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary single-stranded RNA molecule that binds and prevents translation of mRNA
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
• B. Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
• C. Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
• D. Both Statement I and Statement II are false.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Let's analyze the given statements to determine their validity:

1. Statement I: RNA interference takes place in all Eukaryotic organisms as a method of cellular defense.
   • RNA interference (RNAi) is indeed a biological process found in eukaryotic organisms. It helps in regulating gene expression and defending against viral infections by silencing specific genetic sequences.
   • This statement is generally accepted and true as RNAi is observed across a wide range of eukaryotes, from plants to animals, and serves as a defense mechanism against foreign genetic elements.
2. Statement II: RNAi involves the silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary single-stranded RNA molecule that binds and prevents translation of mRNA.
   • This statement incorrectly describes the mechanism of RNAi. In actuality, RNAi silences mRNA through the incorporation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which is processed into small interfering RNA (siRNA) by the enzyme Dicer. The siRNA guides the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to the target mRNA, leading to its degradation, not merely preventing its translation.
   • Moreover, RNAi generally involves double-stranded RNA being processed into short fragments that bind to and degrade the mRNA rather than just preventing translation.
   • Hence, the description in Statement II is false.

Conclusion: Based on the analysis, Statement I is true, and Statement II is false, making the correct answer: "Statement I is true but Statement II is false."