A scientist is studying a gene known as the XYZ gene in eukaryotes. Into a eukaryotic cell, she inserts an miRNA that is complementary to a portion of the XYZ mRNA found in the cell. What result would you predict?
A) There will be an increase in the amount of XYZ protein made.
B) There will be a decrease in the amount of XYZ protein made.
C) There will be an increase in the transcription of the XYZ gene.
D) There will be a decrease in the transcription of the XYZ gene.
E) No change will result from the insertion of the miRNA.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The miRNA will bind to the complementary mRNA, leading to its degradation or preventing its translation, resulting in a decrease in the amount of XYZ protein made.

A Scientist Is Studying a Gene Known as the XYZ