Short interfering RNAs affect gene expression in eukaryotes by
A)blocking replication of certain genes.
B)blocking transcription of certain genes.
C)binding to mRNAs and preventing translation.
D)binding to ribosomes, preventing the two subunits from joining.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) work by binding to complementary messenger RNAs (mRNAs), preventing them from being translated into proteins. This is known as RNA interference (RNAi), a natural cellular mechanism for regulating gene expression. SiRNAs are double-stranded RNA molecules that are processed by an enzyme called Dicer into small, 21-23 nucleotide fragments. These siRNAs then guide a protein complex called RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) to target mRNAs, which are cleaved and degraded by the complex. By blocking translation of specific mRNAs, siRNAs can reduce or silence gene expression, providing a powerful tool for studying gene function in vivo and treating diseases caused by overactive or faulty genes.

Short Interfering RNAs Affect Gene Expression in Eukaryotes by