Answer and Explanation:
The statement mentioned in the question is not accurate. RITS (RNA-Induced Transcriptional Silencing complex) is a complex involved in RNA silencing, a process that regulates gene expression by targeting and silencing specific mRNA molecules.
When RITS targets a specific mRNA molecule, it recruits histone methyltransferases. These enzymes modify the histone proteins associated with DNA, leading to changes in chromatin structure and gene silencing. However, it is important to note that histone methylation does not directly result in changes to the DNA sequence itself.
Here's a corrected explanation of the process:
1. RITS (RNA-Induced Transcriptional Silencing complex) is a complex involved in RNA silencing, a cellular process that regulates gene expression.
2. When RITS targets a specific mRNA molecule, it binds to it, forming an RNA-protein complex.
3. This complex recruits histone methyltransferases, enzymes that modify histone proteins associated with DNA.
4. Histone methyltransferases add methyl groups to specific amino acids on histone proteins, leading to changes in chromatin structure.
5. Changes in chromatin structure can result in gene silencing, as the modified chromatin is less accessible for gene transcription.
6. However, it's important to note that histone methylation does not directly alter the DNA sequence itself.
In summary, RITS is involved in the RNA silencing pathway and, when targeting specific mRNA molecules, recruits histone methyltransferases to modify histone proteins. These modifications affect chromatin structure and can lead to gene silencing, but they do not directly change the DNA sequence.