How does RNAi occur?

RNAi :

1. In eukaryotes, RNAi is a method of cellular defense.
2. It is a naturally occurring mechanism that leads to gene "silencing," or inhibits gene expression.
3. In the ongoing task of developing pathogen and pest-resistant crops, RNA interference (RNAi) is emerging as an alternative genetic tool.
4. For example, RNAi is a method used to prevent the nematode Meloidogyne incognita from infesting the roots of tobacco plants.
5. The host plant was injected with nematode-specific genes (DNA).
6. The added DNA generates both sense and anti-sense RNA.
7. Two complementary strands bend and form ds RNA, which results in RNAi and gene silencing.
8. The nematode's mRNA is silenced, and the parasite is unable to survive in the transgenic host.
9. Thus, RNA interference aids in increasing crop yield while decreasing pests.