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#RNAi

9 public questions tagged with this topic.

Which technique uses double-stranded RNA to silence specific genes in pests?

RNA interference (RNAi) uses double-stranded RNA to silence specific genes in pests, preventing their growth. This follows from NCERT principle where relation explains outcome clearly for students.

Ref: NCERT Biology Textbook for Class XI and XII (Zoology section), Chapter: Biology - Zoology portion covering relevant system and function, Topic: Structural organization and physiology.

Which of the following is correct about RNA interference (RNAi)?

RNA interference (RNAi) silences specific gene expression by using double-stranded RNA molecules. This follows from NCERT principle where the relation explains the outcome clearly for students in simple steps.

Ref: NCERT Biology Textbook for Class XI and XII (Zoology section), Chapter: Principles of Inheritance, Molecular Basis of Inheritance and Biotechnology, Topic: Genetics, DNA techniques and applications.

Which of the following is incorrect about RNA interference (RNAi)?

RNA interference (RNAi) is used to silence specific gene expression, not enhance it. This follows from NCERT principle where relation explains outcome clearly for students.

Ref: NCERT Biology Textbook for Class XI and XII (Zoology section), Chapter: Biology - Zoology portion covering relevant system and function, Topic: Structural organization and physiology.

RdRP enhances RNAi by:

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase RdRP amplifies small RNA silencing in plants, nematodes, fungi including fission yeast. Primary siRNAs generated by Dicer recruit RdRP complex RDRC containing Rdp1 polymerase, Hrr1 helicase, Cid12 polyA polymerase via Ago1 to target single-stranded transcripts, synthesizing complementary strand forming dsRNA substrate for secondary Dicer cleavage producing secondary siRNAs distal to trigger. This spreads silencing beyond initial region and maintains signal when trigger diluted. RdRP requires Ago1 slicing providing primer hydroxyl. Amplification explains robust sustainable RNAi in organisms possessing RdRP versus transient silencing in mammals lacking enzyme requiring high synthetic siRNA doses for effective knockdown approaches.

Ref: NCBI Bookshelf, RNAi Pathways: RdRP Generates dsRNA for siRNA Amplification