What is siRNA?
Q: What is siRNA?
A: Small interfering RNA is a type of double-stranded RNA molecule, which is around 20-25 base pairs long.
Q: What is the most significant role of siRNA?
A: The most notable role of siRNA is in RNA interference (RNAi) pathways, where it disrupts the expression of certain genes.
Q: How do genes get affected by siRNA?
A: Only those genes with nucleotide sequences that complement those of the siRNA get affected.
Q: What is the function of siRNA in breaking down mRNA?
A: Its function is to break down mRNA after transcription, thereby preventing translation of the gene into protein.
Q: In addition to RNAi pathways, where else does siRNA act?
A: siRNA acts in RNAi-related pathways, such as an antiviral mechanism, or in shaping the chromatin structure of a genome.
Q: What is the complexity surrounding the pathways in which siRNA is involved.
A: The complexity of these pathways is only now being worked out.
Q: What are the implications of the complexity of the pathways in which siRNA is involved?
A: It indicates that there may be more to siRNA's roles and functions than is currently known, and more research is needed to understand it better.
