15. microRNAs and small RNAs

Question 1

6 reasons the discovery of RNAi was significant

Answer 1

RNAi protects against viral infections
RNAi secures genome stability by keeping mobile elements silent
RNAi-like mechanisms repress protein synthesis and regulate development
RNAi-like mechanisms keep chromatin condensed and suppress transcription
RNAi offers a new experimental tool to repress genes specifically
RNAi might be a useful approach in future gene therapy

Question 2

Which polymerase produces small RNAs?

Answer 2

Pol II