RNA interference (or RNAi) is a popular research tool used in biomedical research. It has great potential as it allows researchers to "knock down," or silence, genes of interest. For, example, it could be used to block expression of a gene that plays a role in a certain cancer. In the lab, researchers can design synthetic double stranded RNA that then binds the mRNA of interest and leads to its
destruction. Which mechanism within a cell also leads to mRNA destruction? Explain how this mechanism works.
What will be an ideal response?
MicroRNAs also lead to mRNA destruction. MicroRNAs are encoded within the genome and they are used as a tool in the cell to control gene expression. By leading to mRNA destruction, the protein encoded by the specific mRNA will not be translated. A microRNA is complementary in sequence to a part of an mRNA so that they basepair and form small regions of double-stranded RNA. The double-stranded RNA is cut into small pieces by specific cellular machinery (enzyme complexes). These enzymes then destroy any RNA in the cell that are complementary to the microRNA sequences.
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All cells possess a _____________
a. cell wall b. nucleus c. plasma membrane d. nucleolus
Which statement about connective tissue is true?
a. Adipose tissue is made of collagen fibers. b. Lymph is elastic in nature. c. Cartilage is elastic in nature. d. Bone cells cannot communicate with each other. e. Reticular connective tissue stores fat
Which of the following sequences correctly describes the movement of air in a bird's respiratory system?
a. lungs; anterior air sacs; posterior air sacs b. anterior air sacs; posterior air sac; lungs c. posterior air sacs; lungs; anterior air sacs
d. lungs; posterior air sacs; anterior air sacs e. anterior air sacs; lungs; posterior air sacs
You are studying the affects of transcription factors on the activation of gene expression. However, when first starting your study, you notice that some of the transcription factors bind further away from the DNA that it is aiming to transcribe. What description best explains this?
A. The transcription factor transcribes small RNAs that then bind to the promoter and activate the gene's expression. B. The assistance of RNA looping moves the transcription factor closer to the promoter. C. DNA looping transports the transcription factor closer to the promoter and initiates gene transcription. D. Signals originate via inducers from the transcription factor to the site of promotion that activate transcription of the gene.