Answer
Silencing of Specific mRNA via RNAi
Question: Silencing of specific mRNA is possible via RNAi because of:
- (1) Complementary dsRNA ✔ Correct
- (2) Inhibitory ssRNA ✖ Incorrect
- (3) Complementary tRNA ✖ Incorrect
- (4) Non-complementary ssRNA ✖ Incorrect
Explanation:
RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene-silencing mechanism found in eukaryotic organisms. It works by introducing a complementary double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into the cell.
This dsRNA is processed into siRNA (small interfering RNA) by the enzyme Dicer. The siRNA is then incorporated into the RISC complex, which uses it as a guide to bind to the complementary mRNA, leading to its degradation or inhibition of translation.
RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene-silencing mechanism found in eukaryotic organisms. It works by introducing a complementary double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into the cell.
This dsRNA is processed into siRNA (small interfering RNA) by the enzyme Dicer. The siRNA is then incorporated into the RISC complex, which uses it as a guide to bind to the complementary mRNA, leading to its degradation or inhibition of translation.
| Option | Type of RNA | Effect on mRNA |
|---|---|---|
| (1) | Complementary dsRNA | Silences specific mRNA via RNAi ✅ |
| (2) | Inhibitory ssRNA | Not effective in RNAi ❌ |
| (3) | Complementary tRNA | No role in RNAi ❌ |
| (4) | Non-complementary ssRNA | Cannot bind mRNA, no silencing ❌ |