A researcher performs RNAi against a gene that is required for viability in C.elegans embryos and 70% of the embryos die during development.Some of the embryos may have survived because
A)RNAi did not eliminate the mRNA (and protein)of the gene completely.
B)the dsRNA was used to translate additional proteins to compensate for the mRNA that was degraded.
C)RNAi eliminated the protein product of the gene.
D)of issues related to fertilization.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

RNAi, or RNA interference, is a biological process where RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules. The survival of some embryos despite RNAi against a vital gene suggests incomplete elimination of the mRNA (and thus the protein), allowing those embryos to survive. RNAi does not lead to the translation of additional proteins to compensate for degraded mRNA, nor does it directly eliminate protein products. Issues related to fertilization are unrelated to the effectiveness of RNAi on gene expression.

A Researcher Performs RNAi Against a Gene That Is Required