Question

A researcher introduces double-stranded RNA into a culture of mammalian cells, and can identify its location or that of its smaller subsections experimentally, using a fluorescent probe. In addition, she finds what other evidence of this single-stranded RNA piece's activity?

1) She can measure the degradation rate of the remaining single strand.
2) She can measure the decrease in the concentration of Dicer.
3) The rate of accumulation of the polypeptide encoded by the target mRNA is reduced.
4) The amount of miRNA is multiplied by its replication.
5) The cell's translation ability is entirely shut down.

Answer 1

The researcher can observe several evidences of the single-stranded RNA piece's activity, including measuring the degradation rate of the remaining single strand, measuring the decrease in the concentration of Dicer, and observing the rate of accumulation of the polypeptide encoded by the target mRNA being reduced.

Step-by-step explanation:

The researcher can observe several evidences of the single-stranded RNA piece's activity.

1. Measuring the degradation rate of the remaining single strand can provide evidence of the RNA's activity. If the RNA is actively involved in translation or other cellular processes, it may have a longer lifespan before degradation.
2. Measuring the decrease in the concentration of Dicer, the enzyme responsible for cutting double-stranded RNA into short fragments, can also indicate the activity of the single-stranded RNA piece. If the concentration of Dicer decreases, it suggests that the RNA is being processed and utilized by the cell.
3. The rate of accumulation of the polypeptide encoded by the target mRNA being reduced is another indication of the single-stranded RNA's activity. If the polypeptide is not being produced at the expected rate, it suggests that the RNA may be interfering with the translation process.