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Chapter 12: Problem 98

In RNAi, genes are silenced using (a) ssDNA (b) dsDNA (c) dsRNA (d) ssRNA

Short Answer

Expert verified
The correct answer is (c) dsRNA.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding RNAi

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process where RNA molecules inhibit gene expression. In this process, molecules that are part of the cellular machinery are used.
02

Analyze the options

Let's analyze the options: (a) ssDNA (single-stranded DNA), (b) dsDNA (double-stranded DNA), (c) dsRNA (double-stranded RNA), (d) ssRNA (single-stranded RNA). Among these, the RNA molecules are the ones that are used in the RNAi process.
03

Identify the correct RNA molecule

In the RNAi process, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules degrade the mRNA of the genes that are to be silenced. So, the correct answer is dsRNA.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Gene Silencing
Gene silencing is a natural cellular process that downregulates or "silences" the expression of specific genes without altering the sequence of the DNA. This process plays a crucial role in gene regulation, development, and defense against viruses. Several mechanisms can lead to gene silencing, such as RNA interference (RNAi), epigenetic modifications, or even transcriptional interference. With RNAi, the presence of specific RNA molecules can prevent the translation of target mRNAs into proteins. This is extremely valuable in research and medicine, as it allows scientists to selectively turn off genes to study their function or to reduce the expression of harmful genes.
Double-stranded RNA
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a type of RNA with two complementary strands that resemble the structure of DNA. In the context of RNA interference, dsRNA is a key molecule because it triggers the gene silencing process. Here's how dsRNA works in RNAi:
  • The cell recognizes dsRNA as foreign, often due to its similarity to viral genetic material, which can appear during viral infections.
  • Enzymes within the cell, such as Dicer, process these dsRNA molecules into smaller fragments known as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).
  • These siRNAs are then incorporated into a complex called the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), playing a pivotal role in targeting and degrading messenger RNA (mRNA).
Thus, dsRNA is central to the RNAi mechanism, marking specific mRNAs for destruction and leading to reduced gene expression.
mRNA Degradation
mRNA degradation is a vital part of RNA interference, where the targeted messenger RNA (mRNA) is effectively "cut up" and broken down, preventing its translation into proteins. Here's how it fits into the RNAi process:

Once siRNAs are incorporated into the RISC, they guide the complex to complementary mRNA molecules. Upon binding, the RISC-siRNA complex facilitates the cleavage of the mRNA:
  • The mRNA is cut into pieces, making it unstable and leading to its rapid degradation.
  • This prevents the ribosome from accessing the mRNA to translate it into a protein.
  • By degrading mRNA, gene expression is silenced, as fewer proteins are produced.
mRNA degradation ensures that the cell can quickly adjust the levels of specific proteins, protecting against unwanted or harmful expression.

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