Chapter 17, Problem 27ESP

Summary Introduction

To describe:

How the RNA-induced gene silencing is used to study the role tra gene of Drosophila in sex determination? How its function is studied using classical genetic analysis and what are limitations and advantages of each research approach?

Introduction:

The process of regulation of gene expression to prevent the expression of a particular gene is referred to as gene silencing. It could occur either during the translation or transcription process. This modification in gene expression could also be carried out by small RNA molecules. They act in the nucleus in order to alter the chromatin structure and to bring about the repression of the transcription process. It also represses translation and triggers mRNAs degradation. This phenomenon together is known as RNA induced gene silencing.