Step 1: Concept
RNA interference (RNAi) is a regulatory mechanism that degrades specific mRNA molecules.
Step 2: Meaning
Post-transcriptional silencing means the gene is transcribed into mRNA, but the mRNA is destroyed before it can be translated.
Step 3: Analysis
The process is triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). An enzyme called Dicer cleaves the dsRNA into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These are incorporated into the RISC complex, which then identifies and degrades complementary single-stranded mRNA.
Step 4: Conclusion
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is the primary trigger for the RNAi pathway.
Final Answer: (D)