Gene expression Non-coding RNA

Question 1

Describe the ability of ncRNAs to bind to other molecules.

Answer 1

They bind to DNA and RNA by complementary base pairing, the base pairing allows ncRNAs to affect DNA replication, transcription, and translation.

Question 2

Outline the general functions of ncRNAs.

Answer 2

Scaffold: binds to multiple components such as proteins, and act as a scaffold or formation of a complex.
Guide: Guide one molecule to a specific location in a cell.
Alteration of protein function of stability: binds to a protein can affect the ability of the protein to be a catalyst, the ability of the protein to bind to other molecules, and protein stability.
Blocker: prevents or blocks a cellular process from happening.
Decoy: recognize other ncRNAs and prevent them from working.

Question 3

Define ribozyme.

Answer 3

RNA molecule with catalytic function.

Question 4

Explain how the ncRNA known as HOTAIR plays a role in gene expression.

Answer 4

ncRNA in mammals that alter chromatin structure and represses gene transcription. HOTAIR acts as a scaffold for protein complexes that conveniently modify histone proteins. Modifications facilitated by HOTAIR inhibit transcription.

Question 5

List examples of ncRNAs and describe their functions.

Answer 5

• TERC: facilitates the binding of telomerase to telomere.
• HOTAIR: alters chromatin structure and represses transcription by guiding histone-modifying complexes to target genes.
• CRISPR (cRNA): guides an endonucleus to foreign DNA.