A researcher introduces double-stranded RNA into a culture of mammalian cells.The double-stranded RNA corresponds to a region of a protein-coding gene of interest.How may the introduced RNA affect gene expression in these cells?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

introduction of double-stranded RNA corresponding to a region of a protein-coding gene can trigger a process known as RNA interference (RNAi), during which the RNA molecules bind to complementary sequences in the target mRNA transcript, leading to degradation of the transcript or inhibition of its translation. Therefore, the amount of protein produced by the target gene is likely to be significantly reduced in the cells. Option A and B are not likely because double-stranded RNA can stimulate interferon and Toll-like receptor pathways, leading to increased transcription. Option C is also not likely because RNAi mechanism is not known to increase transcription.

A Researcher Introduces Double-Stranded RNA into a Culture of Mammalian