A researcher introduces double-stranded RNA into a culture of mammalian cells and can identify its location or that of its smaller subsections experimentally, using a fluorescent probe. When she finds that the introduced strand separates into single-stranded RNAs, what other evidence of this single-stranded RNA piece's activity would she find?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the double-stranded RNA introduced into the mammalian cells interferes with the translation of target mRNA, the rate of accumulation of the polypeptide encoded by the target mRNA is reduced. This happens because the double-stranded RNA triggers RNA interference, where small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) combine with proteins to form RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs) that can later bind to mRNA and destroy it, leading to decreased protein expression. The single-stranded RNA piece created after the separation of the double-stranded RNA can contribute to this RNA interference activity. Option A is incorrect because measuring the degradation rate of the remaining single strand does not provide evidence of its activity. Options C and D are wrong because they are not supported by the information given in the question.

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