[06] RNA Interference and siRNA Flashcards
What is RNA Interference (RNAi)?
It’s a biological process where RNA molecules inhibit gene expression, typically by destroying specific mRNA molecules.
What is Small Interfering RNA (siRNA)?
These are small pieces of double-stranded RNA, typically 20-25 base pairs in length, that can induce RNAi in cells.
What is the role of siRNA in RNAi?
siRNA works within the RNAi pathway by guiding the mechanism to the mRNA that needs to be destroyed.
What are the applications of siRNA and RNAi?
- Gene silencing
- Functional genomics
- Potential therapeutics against viral infection.
What are the challenges associated with the use of siRNA?
- Off-target effects
- Delivery to cells
- Triggering of immune response.
How does RNAi shape gene expression?
By destroying specific mRNA molecules, RNAi can inhibit the expression of certain genes.
How does siRNA induce RNAi?
siRNA guides the RNAi mechanism to the mRNA that needs to be destroyed, thus inducing the process.
How can siRNA and RNAi be used in gene silencing?
They can inhibit the expression of specific genes by destroying their mRNA molecules.
How can siRNA and RNAi be used in functional genomics?
By inhibiting the expression of specific genes, they can be used to study the functions of these genes.
How can siRNA and RNAi potentially be used as therapeutics against viral infection?
By targeting and destroying viral mRNA molecules, they can inhibit viral gene expression and replication.
What are off-target effects in the context of siRNA use?
They are unintended gene silencing effects that can occur when siRNA molecules bind to and degrade mRNA molecules other than their intended targets.
Why is delivery to cells a challenge in the use of siRNA?
Because siRNA molecules are negatively charged and large, they struggle to cross the cell membrane.
How can the use of siRNA trigger an immune response?
Because siRNA molecules can be recognized as foreign by the immune system, their use can sometimes trigger an immune response.
