Question

What are the 3 ways RNAi can disrupt gene function?

Answer 1

RNAi can disrupt gene function through mRNA degradation, translation inhibition, and ribosome interference.

Step-by-step explanation:

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process by which antisense RNAs or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) interfere with gene expression by binding to mRNA, preventing translation and protein synthesis. There are three ways in which RNAi can disrupt gene function:

1. siRNAs can bind to mRNA, leading to degradation of the mRNA molecule and preventing the synthesis of the corresponding protein.
2. siRNAs can bind to mRNA and prevent translation, effectively blocking protein synthesis.
3. miRNAs can also inhibit translation by binding to mRNA and preventing its interaction with ribosomes, thus preventing protein synthesis.