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The initial long, double-stranded RNA found in the cell is chopped up by a protein known as:

A. Dicer
B. Slicer
C Chopper
D Grater

User Jason Zhu
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Final answer:

The protein known as Dicer is responsible for chopping up the initial long, double-stranded RNA found in the cell, as part of the RNA interference (RNAi) defense mechanism against foreign RNA elements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The initial long, double-stranded RNA found in the cell is chopped up by a protein known as Dicer. When cells encounter double-stranded RNAs, such as those from certain viral infections, the Dicer enzyme acts as a defense mechanism, hydrolyzing the dsRNA into short fragments. These fragments, or short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), are then incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), targeting corresponding mRNA molecules for degradation and preventing the production of viral proteins.

In a broader context, DICER is part of a cellular process known as RNA interference (RNAi), which plays a critical role in regulating gene expression and maintaining the stability of the genome by silencing potentially harmful foreign RNA elements.

User Nand
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