Many noncoding RNAs are involved in gene silencing.Gene silencing refers to
A) the splicing of mRNA into alternative transcripts.
B) defense mechanisms against RNA viruses.
C) mechanisms inhibiting gene expression.
D) the modification of genes through RNA-mediated mutation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs and small interfering RNAs, can silence gene expression through various mechanisms, including degradation of mRNA or inhibition of translation. This can occur in normal cellular processes or as a defense mechanism against invasive nucleic acids, such as RNA viruses. However, gene silencing does not involve splicing of mRNA into alternative transcripts or modification of genes through RNA-mediated mutation.

Many Noncoding RNAs Are Involved in Gene Silencing