Why is the use of siRNA preferred to miRNA as a means for blocking translation of a specific mRNA?
A) siRNA can be used with DNA chips.
B) Only siRNA can be used to test cause-and-effect relationships.
C) siRNA is more specific than miRNA.
D) siRNA is single-stranded and thus easier to produce.
E) miRNA interferes non-specifically.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

siRNA is designed to be perfectly complementary to the target mRNA, leading to a highly specific binding and blocking of translation. In contrast, miRNA only base-pairs with partial complementarity to the target mRNA, and can potentially affect the translation of multiple mRNAs.

Why Is the Use of SiRNA Preferred to MiRNA as a Means