Silencing of a gene could be achieved through the use of
short interfering RNA (RNAi) only
antisense RNA only
Both RNAi and antisense RNA
None of these
In view of the current food crisis, it is said, that we need another green revolution. Highlight the major limitations of the earlier green revolution.
Major limitations of the earlier green revolution are as follows
(i) Generally undesired characters also breed along with desired ones.
(ii) Regular use of fertilisers affected both soil fertility and quality.
(iii) Extensive use of pesticides/insecticides/weedicides resulted in harmful effects on the natural components of the ecosystem.
So, another green revolution that can curb these problems and enhance the quality food production in limited land resources is certainly required.
Expand GMO. How is it different from a hybrid?
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism that contains one or more genes from an entirely different species and is genetically altered during molecular genetics such as gene cloning, protein engineering etc.
On the other hand, hybrids contains the recombinant genome of different alleles present in the population of the same species,
Differentiate between diagnostics and therapeutics. Give one example and for each category.
A diagnostic technique helps us to identify a disease. e.g., ELISA for HIV. A therapeutic agent on the other hand helps in the treatment of a disease. e.g., antibiotics for bacterial infections.
Give the full form of ELISA. Which disease can be detected using it? Discuss the principle underlying the test.
ELISA stands for Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay. It is used for the detection of (HIV) AIDS disease.
ELISA is based on the principle of antigen-antibody interaction. Infection by pathogen can be detected by the presence of antigens (proteins, glycoprotieins, etc.) or by detecting the antibodies synthesised by the host against the pathogen.