Question
Biology Question on Applications of Biotechnology
Silencing of a gene could be achieved through the use of
A
Short interfering RNA (RNAi)
B
Antisense RNA
C
Both A and B
D
None of the above
Answer
Both A and B
Explanation
Solution
RNAi takes place in all eukaryotic organisms as a method of cellular defense. This method involves silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule that binds to and prevents translation of the mRNA (silencing). The source of this complementary RNA could be from an infection by viruses having RNA genomes or mobile genetic elements (transposons) that replicate via an RNA intermediate.