Question

The expression of an anti-nutritional factor/negative regulator can be eliminated by which of the following tools
(A). RNA interference
(B). Genome editing
(C). Over-expression of encoding gene
(D). Insertional mutagenesis
(E). TILLING
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B), (C) and (D) only.
• B. (A), (C), (D) and (E) only.
• C. (B), (C), (D) and (E) only.
• D. (A), (B), (D) and (E) only.

Hint:

To eliminate a gene product, utilize gene knockdown (RNAi) or gene knockout (CRISPR, insertional mutagenesis, TILLING) techniques, and avoid any over-expression methods.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Eliminating the expression of undesirable proteins like anti-nutritional factors or negative regulators requires gene silencing or gene knockout technologies.
These genetic strategies disrupt genomic sequences, interfere with transcription, or degrade target mRNA before translation can occur.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each of the molecular tools:
RNA interference (RNAi) uses double-stranded RNA to trigger sequence-specific mRNA degradation, effectively knocking down gene expression.
Genome editing (such as CRISPR/Cas9) creates targeted double-strand breaks that lead to frame-shift mutations, successfully knocking out the gene.
Over-expression of the encoding gene increases transcript and protein levels, which would enhance the anti-nutritional factor rather than eliminating it.
Insertional mutagenesis introduces foreign DNA fragments (T-DNA or transposons) into the target gene, physically disrupting its transcription.
TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes) is a reverse genetics method that screens chemically mutagenized populations to identify loss-of-function point mutations in a target gene.
Therefore, techniques (A), (B), (D), and (E) are effective methods to eliminate or silence gene expression, while (C) is not.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the correct option is (D).