Final answer:
RNA interference (RNAi) is a process by which cells use small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or microRNAs (miRNAs) to silence specific genes, defending against viral infections or regulating gene expression. When RNA molecules form double-stranded RNA due to inverted repeats, this can trigger RNAi, leading to gene silencing. This biological mechanism is being studied as a potential therapeutic tool.
Step-by-step explanation:
RNA Interference and Gene Silencing
RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process where RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules. This mechanism can be triggered when inverted repeats in an RNA molecule fold back on themselves to form double-stranded RNA (dsRNA).
The presence of dsRNA in cells, often a sign of viral infection, activates an enzyme called DICER, which cleaves the dsRNA into short fragments known as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These siRNAs are then incorporated into the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC), which can bind and degrade or inhibit the translation of complementary mRNA, effectively silencing the gene.
Gene silencing plays a vital role in defending against viral infections and in the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells. Scientists are exploring RNAi as a potential therapeutic strategy, utilizing siRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) to specifically target and downregulate harmful or disease-causing genes. The application of RNAi technology opens up possibilities for treating various ailments, including viral diseases, by mimicking the natural gene silencing pathways used by cells.