Chapter 12, Problem 38A

Summary Introduction

To describe:

RNA interference

Introduction:

It is very important that cells control the expression of genes so that different genes are expressed at different times in an organism’s life. Gene regulation is the ability of an organism to control which genes are transcribed in response to the environment.

Answer to Problem 38A

RNA interference can stop the mRNA from translating its message by binding of single stranded small interfering RNA and protein complex to sequence specific sections of mRNA and cutting it off.

Explanation of Solution

In eukaryotes, gene regulation is a very complex process. Transcription factors and RNA interference control gene expression.

Small pieces of double stranded RNA in the cytoplasm of the cell are cut by enzyme called dicer. These double stranded segments are called small interfering RNA. They bind to a protein complex that degrades one strand of the RNA. The resulting single stranded small interfering RNA and protein complex bind to sequence specific sections of mRNA in the cytoplasm, causing the mRNA in this region to be cut thereby preventing its translation.

There is investigation going on about the possibility of using RNAi to treat cancer, diabetes and other diseases.