Plant RNAi

Plant RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural process where plants use small RNA molecules to regulate gene activity. These molecules can target specific genes to turn them off, helping plants defend against pests and viruses or control their own growth. When a plant detects a threat or needs to adjust certain functions, these small RNAs guide the cell machinery to silence the corresponding genes, much like a mobile operating system blocking unwanted apps. This precise gene regulation can be harnessed in agriculture to create crops with improved resistance and traits without introducing new genes.